Research progress and prospect in rice grain quality in sodic/saline-sodic soils mainly characterized by the soil salts NaHCO3 and Na2CO3
Rice is a pioneer crop in the amelioration of sodic/saline-sodic soils.Compared with the rice yield in such alkaline salt-affected soils,less attention has been paid to the rice grain quality,although its demand is gradually increasing.Here,we reviewed the four patterns of rice grain quality:grain processing,appearance,nutrition,and sensory taste,in sodic/saline-sodic soils mainly characterized by the soil salts NaHCO3 and Na2CO3.The roles played by the amelioration of sodic/saline-sodic soils,rice cultivars,and rice cultivation in the grain quality were also discussed to further clarify the effects of the sodic/saline-sodic soils on rice grain quality.Generally,the lower head milled rate,milled rice rate,brown rice rate,and amylose content are often observed with a higher chalky grain rate,chalkiness degree,and protein content under the conditions of sodic/saline sodic soils.Interestingly,such advantages of rice grain quality as higher protein content with higher nutritional value,higher content of metal ions such as sodium in brown rice,lower translucent particles,and lower starch content are identified in such alkaline salt-affected soils.Future studies need to explore the grain quality formation,the new germplasm resources,and synergistic improvement of rice yield and grain quality to enhance rice grain quality in the conditions of alkaline sodic/saline-sodic soils.