Enhancing rice grain yield and quality synergistically through controlled irrigation and increased planting density in nitrogen‐reduced systems

The findings suggest that implementing a moderate reduction in nitrogen rate, within the context of high-yield cultivation, can enhance the taste quality of rice, albeit with a reduction in yield. Although increased planting density may partially offset the adverse effects on rice yield following nitrogen reduction, it could potentially compromise rice quality. However, the integration of controlled irrigation and increased planting density within a nitrogen-reduced system can synergistically enhance rice processing quality, appearance quality and the cooked rice taste quality, at the same time as sustaining high grain yield. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.