Analysis of the Dynamics and Characteristics of Rice Stem Tillers via Water Level Management

Abstract

Based on theoretical analysis and numerical calculations, this study systematically investigated the changes in rice tillering dynamics and the simulation of stem tiller growth during the tillering stage using the farm water level as a regulation index for rice irrigation and drainage. Based on pit testing, the results of this study show that both flooding and drought in the tillering stage suppress the tiller output of rice and have a certain compensating effect following rehydration. Heavy drought during the tillering period reduced the effective tiller rate, while flooding and light drought had little effect on the effective tiller rate. Flooding and maintaining a high infiltration rate also increased the effective tiller rate. The primary kinetic model of tiller elongation (DMOR) was a good fit for the tiller elongation process (coefficients of determination of 0.99 or higher). In addition, the growth and extinction rates of the stem tiller extinction curves were fitted. The maximum growth rate of the stem tiller growth segment was ranked as CK > L1 > H1 > L2 > H2, and the maximum extinction rate of the stem tiller extinction segment was ranked as CK > H2 > H1 > L2 > L1, indicating that both flooding and drought during the tillering stage could reduce the growth and extinction rates of the stem tiller. This shows that both flooding and drought can reduce the growth and extinction rates of tillers.