Irrigated rice yield plateau is caused by management factors in Argentina

Abstract

Over the past 15 years, Argentina has experienced a consistent stability in rice grain yield, diverging from the substantial annual increases seen in other South American countries, reaching up to 3%. This study addresses two primary objectives: (a) quantifying the yield potential and gap in irrigated rice production and (b) identifying key management practices influencing yield disparities. Leveraging an extensive dataset from the analysis of over 2,600 rice fields across ten growing seasons, we utilized estimations with the ORYZA v3 crop simulation model. The estimated yield potential for irrigated rice in Argentina averaged 14.1 Mg ha-1, with regional range from 13.4 to 15.1 Mg ha-1. Southern regions exhibited the highest yield potential at 15.1 Mg ha-1, while Northern regions showed a lower yield potential at 13.4 Mg ha-1. The current yield gap in Argentina stands at 53% of the yield potential, with variations across regions between 47% and 56%. To overcome the current yield plateau, Argentina can strategically shift management practices, including: earlier sowing date and irrigation, increased rotation, optimized density, and adjusted K2O fertilizer rates. These measures offer the potential to significantly enhance the average rice yield, positioning Argentina as a major global player in rice exports, contributing to global food security without substantial land expansion. This study underscores the overlooked potential for growth in Argentina's rice production sector and its pivotal role in ensuring global food security.