Variations in Root Morphology and Yield among Rice Varieties in Response to Potassium under Subtropical Conditions

The relationship between rice root morphology and Potassium (K) is a major concern for its growth and development, and it has a substantial impact on yield as well. In light of this, the current pot research was run in the net house of the Department of Agronomy at the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, throughout the boro (dry season irrigated) season of 2020-2021. Binadhan-10, Hira-2 and BRRI dhan29 were grown with five K fertilizers: 0 kg K ha(-1) (K-0), 32 kg K ha(-1) (K-32), 65 kg K ha(-1) (K-65), 98 kg K ha(-1) (K-98) and 130 kg K ha(-1) (K-130). Three replications of the investigation were conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD). The root number (RN), root length (RL), root volume (RV), root porosity (RP) along with leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM) and yield were assessed. Binadhan-10 with the K-65 treatment significantly increased the RN, RL, RV, LAI, TDM and yield. With the further increase in the dosage of K that was under K-98 and K-130, the value of the root traits and yield did not increase. A positive connection was documented between the grain yield (GY) and all the root traits, excluding the RP. Binadhan-10 can be grown with 65 kg K ha(-1) at field level for a satisfactory yield.

Automated summary

The relationship between rice root morphology and potassium (K) has a significant impact on the growth and development of rice as well as its yield. In this study conducted at the net house of the Department of Agronomy at the Bangladesh Agricultural University, different rice varieties (Binadhan-10, Hira-2, and BRRI dhan29) were treated with different doses of K fertilizers. The results showed that the dose of 65 kg K ha(-1) significantly improved root traits and yield. However, further increase in K dosage did not lead to an increase in root traits and yield. A positive correlation was observed between yield and all root traits except root porosity. Therefore, a dose of 65 kg K ha(-1) can be recommended for satisfactory yield when cultivating Binadhan-10 at the field level.