Effects of Straw Return with Nitrogen Fertilizer Reduction on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Morphology, Photosynthetic Capacity, Yield and Water–Nitrogen Use Efficiency Traits under Different Water Regimes
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Dear authors,
Thank you for the opportunity to review this Manuscript (Straw Return with Nitrogen Fertilizer Reduction Regulates Morphological Traits, Photosynthetic Capacity, Yield and Water-nitrogen Use Efficiency of Rice under Water-saving Irrigation). The experiment tested the effects of irrigation regime (continuously flooded, CF; controlled irrigation and drainage, CID) and straw return with N reduction (conventional farmers' fertilization practice of 300 kg N ha-1 without straw return, N300; straw return with 25% N reduction, SN225; straw return with 50% N reduction, SN150) on rice growth dynamics, grain yield and water-nitrogen utilization. There is some aspect that should be reviewed by authors, but the manuscript has high level of information and quality
The title is too long.
The abstract is clear and bring all information required.
In the introduction, the authors could more information about the N losses in rice production. In addition, add the information about water consumption.
The goals are not clear. Please, check it.
In the Material and Methods.
Line 98: give the interpretation of soil analysis. Is it good for rice production?
Add international soil classification
Beautiful Figures. There is no need of Table 1.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
Dear Prof. Dr. Editor of Agronomy Journal,
I write you regarding Manuscript Number: 2114801 entitled "Straw Return with Nitrogen Fertilizer Reduction Regulates Morphological Traits, Photosynthetic Capacity, Yield and Water-nitrogen Use Efficiency of Rice under Water-saving Irrigation" which was submitted to the Agronomy journal.
In this manuscript, the authors studied the Straw Return with Nitrogen Fertilizer Reduction Regulates Morphological Traits, Photosynthetic Capacity, Yield and Water-nitrogen Use Efficiency of Rice under Water-saving Irrigation. This work was well done and the methods of data collection were appropriate. The manuscript is suitable for publication in Agronomy.
I have gone through this work. My decision is accepted with minor revisions for this work. The reason for that is as follows:
The manuscript deals with " Straw Return with Nitrogen Fertilizer Reduction Regulates Morphological Traits, Photosynthetic Capacity, Yield and Water-nitrogen Use Efficiency of Rice under Water-saving Irrigation.
First: Title: It should change to the following:
1) Effects of Straw Return with Nitrogen Fertilizer Reduction on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Morphology, Photosynthetic Capacity, Yield and Water-nitrogen Use Efficiency Traits under Different Water Regimes
Second Abstract, keywords and Introduction:
2) has some minor corrections as in the attached file.
Third: The objectives of the study
3) is ok.
Fourth: Materials and Methods
4) is ok.
Results and discussion
5) is ok.
References
6) is ok.
Thank you for suggesting me as a reviewer for this paper.
with best regards
Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
In this manuscript, the researchers focused on the influence of two factors (irrigation regime and straw return) on morphological and physiological traits, water-nitrogen use efficiency, or rice yield during two seasons.
Despite the fact that the manuscript is well organized, the research is comprehensive and especially the number of observed traits is remarkable, in my opinion the novelty of the research is absent.
The presented results did not bring anything new, only well-known knowledge. Especially in relation to the results that confirmed that a worse performance of rice was achieved with nitrogen regulation, the name of the manuscript is at least debatable.
I also recommend editing the conclusions of the manuscript. It should be noted that the influence of the interaction of the experimental factors was not significant on almost all the observed traits. In addition, with straw return, a significant decrease in yield was detected, which is significant in relation to the sustainability of production.
I also recommend unifying the formatting of the figures, it will simplify orientation in the results and their readability.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
