Rice Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 14-23 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/rgg 20 6.3 Overall field performance and stability Overall field performance and stability are crucial for sustainable rice production. Integrated nutrient management has been shown to improve field performance by enhancing yield stability and agronomic efficiency. For instance, the use of INM practices in a rice-wheat cropping system in the Indian subcontinent resulted in significant yield gains and improved soil health, indicating enhanced field performance and stability (Sharma et al., 2019). Furthermore, the integration of organic and inorganic inputs has been shown to improve soil quality and crop productivity, contributing to the overall stability of the cropping system (Sarkar et al., 2024). These findings suggest that INM practices can lead to sustainable improvements in rice production by enhancing both yield and agronomic stability. 7 Farmer Practice and Scaling Potential 7.1 Farmer engagement and perception of quality Farmers' engagement with integrated nutrient management (INM) practices is crucial for improving rice grain quality. Studies have shown that farmers perceive the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers as beneficial for enhancing soil quality and crop yield. For instance, the use of farmyard manure combined with chemical fertilizers has been reported to significantly improve crop yield and soil fertility, which aligns with farmers' goals of achieving higher productivity and sustainability (Paramesh et al., 2023; Urmi et al., 2022). Additionally, the adoption of INM practices has been linked to improved soil health and nutrient transformations, which are critical factors that farmers consider when evaluating the quality of their produce (Walia et al., 2024). 7.2 Applicability and feasibility of nutrient management The applicability and feasibility of INM practices are supported by various studies that highlight their effectiveness in different cropping systems. For example, the integration of organic inputs such as vermicompost and poultry manure with inorganic fertilizers has been shown to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity in rice-based systems (Urmi et al., 2022; Kaur et al., 2023). These practices are feasible for farmers as they utilize locally available resources, reducing dependency on costly inorganic fertilizers. Moreover, the use of site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) tools can further tailor nutrient applications to specific farm conditions, enhancing the applicability of INM practices across diverse environments. 7.3 Potential and barriers to regional scaling The potential for scaling INM practices regionally is significant, given their proven benefits in improving yield and soil quality. However, several barriers exist, including the need for extensive field evaluations to adapt practices to local conditions and the requirement for farmer education and training on the benefits and implementation of INM (Chivenge et al., 2022). Additionally, the integration of digital tools and platforms can facilitate the dissemination of INM practices, although challenges such as the need for farm-specific data and the variability in economic outcomes must be addressed. Despite these barriers, the positive impact of INM on soil health and crop productivity suggests a strong potential for regional scaling, provided that these challenges are effectively managed (Patra et al., 2022; Sai and Chettri, 2020). 8 Concluding Remarks The integration of organic and inorganic nutrient sources can significantly improve the quality and yield of rice. Research has shown that integrated nutrition management (INM) practices, such as combining poultry manure with nitrogen fertilizer, can increase rice yield by up to 67.3% compared to control treatments without organic amendments. Research has found that INM can improve soil health by increasing microbial activity and nutrient absorption efficiency, which is crucial for sustainable crop production. The use of INM can not only improve crop productivity, but also enhance the nutritional quality of rice. When cow manure is combined with inorganic fertilizers, the protein and potassium content in black rice will increase. The research findings emphasize the potential of INM to address the challenges of declining soil fertility and stagnant crop yields, particularly in areas with dense rice cultivation. Future research should focus on optimizing the balance between organic and inorganic inputs to maximize yield and soil health benefits. Further exploration is
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==