Forage-grain ratoon rice (FG-RR) systems, integrating grain and forage production, promise a sustainable approach to enhance food security and livestock development in marginal regions where ratoon rice (T-RR) is traditionally cultivated. Here, we quantified zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in ratoon crop grains from 23 rice varieties at four mowing stages (heading, milk-ripening, dry-ripening, and full maturity) of the main crop. Early mowing at the milk-ripening stage significantly reduced As levels (16.59-46.83 %) and increased Zn (0.61-18.21 %) and Cu (6.81-55.44 %) concentrations, improving nutritional quality. However, Cd levels were elevated (2.10-262.66 %) in FG-RR compared with T-RR. Notably, the impact of mowing stages on the metal concentrations was greater than that of rice varieties. These findings suggest that mowing at the milk-ripening stage enhances the safety and sustainability of FG-RR systems, ensuring improved nutrition and reduced As-related heavy health risks.
Keywords: Forage-grain ratoon rice; Heavy metal; Metal pollution index; Mowing stage; Target hazard quotient.
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