Effects of micro‐nano bubble aerated irrigation and levels of nitrogen fertilizer on nitrogen accumulation and metabolism in super rice

Abstract

Micro‐nano bubble aerated irrigation (MNBI) is an innovative technology that generates nano‐diameter bubbles in irrigation water via a micro‐nano bubble device. In this study, pot experiments with three different nitrogen level treatments under conventional irrigation and MNBI were conducted to investigate the effects of MNBI and nitrogen application levels on rice yield, nitrogen accumulation and utilization. The results showed that MNBI promoted rice yields by increasing the seed setting rate compared to conventional irrigation, and nitrogen accumulation was positively correlated with nitrogen application but significantly increased by MNBI due to the increased root growth and activity. Furthermore, the activity of key enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism, nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase, significantly increased under MNBI at a nitrogen level of 225 kg ha−1. In conclusion, with the elevation of nitrogen application, MNBI improved rice yields and nitrogen accumulation and utilization, indicating that nitrogen and MNBI synergistically enhanced rice yields. Thus, the results provide the basis for efficient and high‐yielding super rice cultivation.