Effects of Unmanned Dry Direct-Seeded Mode on Yield,Grain Quality of Rice and Its Economic Benefits
[Objective]This study aimed to provide the theoretical and technical support for the innovation of green,high-yield,high-quality and high-efficiency unmanned dry direct-seeded(UDDS)cultivation technology of rice.[Method]Medium-maturing medium japonica rice(Nanjing 5718)was selected as the experimental material,with unmanned carpet seedling mechanical transplantated(UCSMT),and conventional carpet seedling mechanical transplantated(CSMT)serving as control methods.A three-year field experiment was conducted to assess the impact of UDDS on growth,yield formation,quality characteristics of rice,and its economic benefits.[Result](1)Although UDDS was carried out with 2-3 days earlier than the control,it exhibited a full growth cycle that was 12-13 days shorter than those of UCSMT and CSMT,primarily due to the shortened period from sowing to jointing stage.(2)The average yield under UDDS from 2020 to 2022 was 10.5 t·hm-2,representing a 3.0%increase than that of CSMT,although this difference was not statistically significant.In comparison with UCSMT,UDDS exhibited a significant yield reduction of 5.4%,and this decrease could be attributed to a reduction in the spikelet number per panicle,resulting in fewer total spikelet numbers and a decrease in dry matter accumulation and transport capacity from heading to maturity.(3)Compared with CSMT,UDDS exhibited slightly reduced processing quality,amylose,and protein contents,with no significant differences were observed.However,the significant reductions in chalkiness percentage and degree were noted,while the taste value increased,though not significantly.Compared with UCSMT,UDDS demonstrated a significant decrease in head milled rice rate,chalkiness percentage,degree,and amylose content,and protein content also decreased,though not significantly.Additionally,UDDS exhibited higher RVA peak viscosity and a significant improvement in taste value.(4)Under the UDDS mode,the cost of rice planting decreased,and the net income increased by 1.15×103 yuan·hm-2 and 0.93×103 yuan·hm-2,than that under UCSMT and CSMT,respectively.[Conclusion]In the rice-wheat rotation system,UDDS realized the synergy of high yield and income increase,and improved the appearance quality and cooking and eating quality of rice,the UDDS cultivation technology should be optimized in terms of improving the total spikelet number,accumulation and translocation of dry matter during filling stage,thereby getting the goals of high rice yield,great quality,and efficient synergy,simultaneously.