Comparison of changes in rice morphoagronomy and physiology based on decrease in soil water potential

Cut Nur Ichsan (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Syiah Kuala University, Darussalam, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia)
Rifa Azkia Halva (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Syiah Kuala University, Darussalam, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia)
Gina Erida (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Syiah Kuala University, Darussalam, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia)
Trisda Kurniawan (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Syiah Kuala University, Darussalam, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia)
Erita Hayati (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Syiah Kuala University, Darussalam, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia)
Erida Nurahmi (Universitas Syiah Kuala)
Ainun Marliah (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Syiah Kuala University, Darussalam, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia)
Mardhiah Hayati (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Syiah Kuala University, Darussalam, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia)
Juliawati (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Iskandar Muda University, Surin, Banda Aceh, Indonesia)

Jurnal Agrium
Vol. 23 No. 2: June 2026

This study aims to analyze changes in the morphological, agronomic, and physiological characteristics of rice plants in response to a decrease in soil water potential. The study was conducted through a literature review of various relevant and credible scientific journals. The results indicate that a decrease in soil water potential (kPa) is closely associated with the level of drought stress affecting rice growth and productivity. Water stress reduces plant height, the number of tillers, and leaf area index (LAI), and increases leaf rolling as an adaptive mechanism. Physiologically, there is a decrease in relative water content (RWC), impaired photosynthesis, increased spikelet sterility, and reduced grain filling. These impacts become more significant during the reproductive phase. Therefore, water management based on soil water potential thresholds is crucial for maintaining sustainable rice productivity.