Rice Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 14-23 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 15 is a major determinant of grain appearance and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors (Zhao et al., 2022). Reducing chalkiness is essential for improving the aesthetic quality of rice (Zhao et al., 2022; Gong et al., 2023). 2.2 Nutritional properties Nutritional properties of rice are increasingly important as consumers demand healthier food options. Key nutritional traits include protein content and mineral composition. Protein content is a vital nutritional quality, as rice is a staple food for a large portion of the global population, and enhancing its protein content can help address malnutrition (Chowdhury et al., 2024; Sadhu and Kole, 2024). Minerals such as iron and zinc are also crucial, and biofortification efforts aim to increase their levels in rice to combat deficiencies (Sadhu and Kole, 2024). Integrated nutrient management, which combines organic and inorganic fertilizers, has been shown to improve the nutritional quality of rice, enhancing both protein and mineral content (Chowdhury et al., 2024). 2.3 Eating and processing quality Eating and processing quality are determined by traits such as gel consistency and amylose content. Gel consistency measures the firmness of the rice after cooking, with softer gels being preferred in many cultures (Zhou et al., 2019; Gong et al., 2023). Amylose content is another critical factor, as it influences the texture and stickiness of cooked rice. Varieties with different amylose levels cater to diverse consumer preferences, with high amylose rice being less sticky and more suitable for certain culinary applications (Gong et al., 2023; Sadhu and Kole, 2024). The gene Wx, located on chromosome 6, plays a significant role in regulating amylose content and gel consistency, making it a target for breeding programs aimed at improving these quality traits (Sadhu and Kole, 2024). 3 Principles of Integrated Nutrient Management 3.1 Synergy between organic and inorganic nutrients Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) emphasizes the synergistic use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers to enhance crop yield and soil health. Studies have shown that combining organic materials such as farmyard manure, green manure, and compost with inorganic fertilizers can significantly improve nutrient uptake and use efficiency in rice cultivation. This synergy not only boosts crop yields but also enhances soil properties, such as organic carbon content and microbial activity, which are crucial for long-term soil fertility (Urmi et al., 2022; Paramesh et al., 2023; Chowdhury et al., 2024; Walia et al., 2024). For instance, the application of 50% recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers supplemented with organic manures has been shown to improve soil microbial populations and nutrient availability, leading to better crop performance (Gosal et al., 2018; Saha et al., 2018; Walia et al., 2024). 3.2 Precision fertilization and nutrient balance Precision fertilization involves the careful management of nutrient inputs to match the specific needs of crops, thereby optimizing nutrient use efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts. INM practices that integrate organic and inorganic sources help maintain a balanced nutrient supply, which is essential for sustaining high crop yields and preventing nutrient depletion in soils. Research indicates that the substitution of a portion of inorganic fertilizers with organic sources can lead to a more balanced nutrient profile in the soil, enhancing the availability of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (Figure 1) (Saha et al., 2018; Majhi et al., 2021; Bhardwaj et al., 2023). This balanced approach not only supports crop productivity but also mitigates the risk of nutrient leaching and soil degradation (Gosal et al., 2018; Urmi et al., 2022). 3.3 Soil health and fertility maintenance Maintaining soil health and fertility is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, and INM plays a vital role in achieving this goal. The integration of organic amendments such as compost and farmyard manure with inorganic fertilizers has been shown to improve soil structure, increase organic matter content, and enhance microbial activity, all of which contribute to better soil health (Majhi et al., 2021; Patra et al., 2022; Paramesh et al., 2023). Long-term studies have demonstrated that INM practices can lead to significant improvements in soil quality
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