Selection of sowing date and biofertilization as alternatives to improve the yield and profitability of the F68 rice variety

Multiple factors influence rice yield. Developing management practices that increase crop yield and an efficient use of resources are challenging to modern agriculture. Consequently, the aim of this study was to evaluate biological nitrogen fixation and bacterial phosphorous solubilization (biofertilization) practices with the selection of the sowing date. Three sowing dates (May, July and August) were evaluated when interacting with two mineral nutrition treatments using a randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement. Leaf carbon balance, leaf area index, interception and radiation use efficiency, harvest index, dry matter accumulation, nutritional status, and yield were quantified. Results showed that the maximum yield was obtained in the sowing date of August. Additionally, yield increased by 18.92% with the biofertilization treatment, reaching 35.18% of profitability compared to the local production practice. High yields were related to a higher carbon balance during flowering, which was 11.56% and 54.04% higher in August than in July and May, respectively, due to a lower night temperature. In addition, a high efficient use of radiation, which in August was 17.56% and 41.23% higher than in July and May, respectively, contributed to obtain higher yields and this behavior is related to the selection of the sowing date. Likewise, a rapid development of the leaf area index and an optimum foliar nitrogen concentration (>3%) were observed. This allowed for greater efficient use of radiation and is attributed to the activity of nitrogen-fixing and phosphate solubilizing bacteria that also act as plant growth promoters.