This dataset contains field experiment data collected to investigate nitrate (NO₃⁻) leaching and nitrogen (N) uptake in rainfed lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) under the Sudano-Guinean climate of Benin, West Africa. The experiment assessed the combined effects of three factors: mineral fertilizer rate (D1: reduced dose, D2: recommended dose, D3: conventional farmer dose), biochar soil amendment (B0: without biochar, B1: with biochar), and fertilizer application method (M1: deep placement, M2: broadcast).
The dataset is organized into nine sheets covering: (1) weather data, (2) crop growth and leaf area index (LAI), (3) soil water content, (4) water flux, (5) infiltration test data, (6) saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) measured by permeameter, (7) piezometer data, (8) nitrate leaching data, and (9) rice yield and nitrogen uptake.
These data support the evaluation of nitrogen use efficiency, water dynamics, and the potential of biochar amendment and fertilizer placement strategies to reduce nitrogen losses in lowland rice systems of sub-Saharan Africa. Data were collected during the 2023 and 2024 cropping seasons.