Impact of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer on rice selenium content, yield and quality

A two-year (2022, 2023) field trial was conducted to explore the impacts of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer (CRN) combined with Se fertilizer on the Se content, quality and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Results showed that CRN combined with Se fertilizer significantly increased the Se content of rice (30.2–58.0 %). Notably, this increase was more substantial than that of the treatment common nitrogen fertilizer (CN) combined with Se fertilizer. Furthermore, it was found that irrespective of the application of Se fertilizer, CRN application could increase the net photosynthetic rate, nitrogen utilization, and actual yield (2.46–7.01 %) of rice. Moreover, it improved the processing and appearance quality of rice and increased the protein content, thereby enhancing its nutritional quality. However, the sole application of CRN significantly decreased the rice taste value. In contrast, Se fertilizer could effectively improve the eating quality of rice by reducing the amylose content. Overall, the fertilization strategy of combining CRN with Se fertilizer can enhance the Se content of rice and concurrently improve its yield and quality. This offers a reference for the development of Se-enriched rice.