Management of Rice Plants During the Growth Period!

Rice Crop Management

Maintenance of Rice Plants During Growth

Effective maintenance of rice plants during their growth phase is crucial to achieving optimal harvest yields. Here are detailed steps that farmers need to consider in caring for rice plants throughout their growth period:

1. Fertilization

Proper timing and dosage of fertilizers can significantly enhance rice plant productivity. Key considerations include:

• Fertilizer Selection and Application

Use organic or inorganic fertilizers according to the specific needs of rice plants and recommendations from local agricultural experts. Distribute fertilizers evenly around the root zone and avoid direct contact with the stems to prevent root burn.

• Fertilization Schedule and Dosage

Apply fertilizers in stages, such as basal fertilization before planting and supplementary fertilization during vegetative and reproductive phases.

a. Basal Fertilization

Basal fertilization is applied before or during planting to provide essential nutrients for initial growth.

• Urea

Dosage: Typically 100-150 kg/ha.

Application Time: Applied before planting or during planting.

• SP-36 (Super Phosphate)

Dosage: Usually 100-150 kg/ha.

Application Time: Applied before planting to support root development.

• KCl (Potassium Chloride)

Dosage: Normally 50-100 kg/ha.

Application Time: Applied before planting or during early vegetative growth.

b. Top Dressing

Top dressing is applied during the growing season to supplement nutrients as the rice plants develop.

• Urea

Dosage: Applied in doses of 50-75 kg/ha each time.

Application Time: Applied during early vegetative growth (around 30-40 days after planting) and before panicle initiation.

• KCl (Potassium Chloride)

Dosage: Applied in doses of 50-75 kg/ha each time.

Application Time: Applied together with urea during early vegetative growth or before flowering.

c. Fertilization Based on Rice Growth Stages

• NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium)

Dosage: Depending on the NPK composition used, typically 100-150 kg/ha for a 15-15-15 NPK ratio.

Application Time: Applied in split doses according to plant requirements during early vegetative growth, flowering, and grain filling stages.

2. Irrigation

Rice plants require adequate water for optimal growth. Effective irrigation strategies include:

• Irrigation Method

Ensure rice plants receive sufficient irrigation, especially during early growth stages and panicle initiation.

• Traditional Irrigation Methods

Flood Irrigation. Water is flooded across the field, covering the soil surface to a certain depth. This is a common traditional method used, especially in flat terrain areas.

• Modern Irrigation Patterns

Furrow Irrigation. Water is directed into small channels or furrows between rows of plants. This method helps reduce water wastage compared to flood irrigation.

Drip Irrigation. Water is delivered directly to the plant roots through small pipes or tubing with controlled drips. This method is efficient in water use and can enhance nutrient delivery efficiency.

Sprinkler Irrigation. Water is sprayed over the plants in the form of artificial rainfall using sprinklers. This method is suitable for lands with soil that cannot withstand flooding and provides better water control.

3. Water Management

Monitor water levels in the paddies regularly to prevent water stress or excess that could affect plant growth.

Initial Flooding

• Purpose: When rice is initially planted, the field is flooded to cover the soil surface completely.
• Depth: Typically, the water depth ranges from 5 to 10 centimeters.
• Duration: The field remains flooded until seedlings are established, usually around 10 to 14 days after planting.

Mid-Season Water Management

• Purpose: After seedling establishment, water levels are adjusted to support vegetative and reproductive growth stages.
• Water Depth: Adjustments are made based on growth stage requirements:

            1. During vegetative stage: Water depth ranges from 5 to 15 centimeters.

            2. During reproductive stage: Water depth increases to 10 to 20 cm to support panicle                               development.

Late-Season Water Management

• Purpose: Towards the end of the growing season, water levels are adjusted to facilitate grain filling and maturation.
• Water Depth: Reduced to promote drying out of paddies before harvest, typically around 5 to 10 centimeters.

4. Pest and Disease Control

Pests and diseases can cause significant damage to rice plants. Effective control strategies include:

• Regular Monitoring

Routinely inspect plants for signs of pest infestation or disease symptoms, such as holes in leaves or abnormal discoloration.

• Pesticide Use

Apply pesticides judiciously following label instructions and agricultural expert recommendations to control pest populations without harming the environment.

• Use of Disease-Resistant Varieties

Opt for rice varieties that are resistant to specific diseases where possible to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.

Integrated treatment of rice plants against pests and diseases is carried out by identifying and determining the correct dose of active ingredients, you can read in more detail here Steps to Treat Several Pests and Diseases of Rice Plants!

5. Crop Management

Proper crop management practices can improve sunlight exposure, air circulation, and maximize growing space:

1. Plant Spacing

Plant rice at appropriate distances to support optimal plant growth and minimize nutrient competition.

Row Spacing

• Conventional: Row spacing typically ranges from 20 to 30 centimeters, depending on the rice variety
• Intensive: Spacing can be narrowed to around 15 to 20 centimeters to increase productivity, especially in intensive rice cultivation systems.

Plant Spacing

• Basal: During planting, plant spacing is usually between 15 to 25 centimeters, depending on seedling size and variety.
• Top Dressing: After planting, spacing can be adjusted based on plant growth and local recommendations to ensure adequate space for optimal growth and development.

2. Thinning

If necessary, thin out plants to regulate population density and allow remaining plants to grow stronger.  Thinning should ideally be done when the rice seedlings have reached a certain height and are strong enough to withstand the transplanting process. Typically, this is around 2 to 3 weeks after germination, when the seedlings have 3 to 4 leaves. Steps for Thinning Rice Plants are:

Prepare for Thinning

• Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged to ease the process of uprooting and transplanting seedlings.
• Choose a clear day with mild weather conditions to minimize stress on the seedlings.

Identify Seedlings to Remove

• Assess the spacing between seedlings and determine which ones to remove. The recommended spacing varies depending on the variety and local recommendations but typically ranges from 15 to 25 centimeters between plants in rows.

Uproot Excess Seedlings

• Carefully grasp the excess seedlings near the base and gently pull them out of the soil. Avoid damaging the roots of the remaining seedlings.
• Alternatively, use small garden scissors or a sharp knife to cut excess seedlings at ground level if pulling them out risks disturbing nearby plants.

Transplant Seedlings

• Transplant the uprooted seedlings into gaps between the remaining seedlings or into another prepared field with the appropriate spacing.
• Plant them at the same depth as they were originally growing and ensure they are upright and well-supported by soil.

Water and Care for Transplanted Seedlings

• After transplanting, water the seedlings thoroughly to help them establish their roots in the new location.
• Monitor the transplanted seedlings regularly and provide appropriate care, such as watering and weed control, to ensure their healthy growth.

6. Monitoring and Routine Maintenance

Regularly monitor plant conditions and provide additional care as needed:

• Growth Monitoring: plant growth regularly to ensure no sudden issues arise.
• Additional Care: Perform pruning or reinforce support structures like stakes or bunds if necessary to support healthy plant growth.

By carefully following these maintenance steps consistently, farmers can enhance productivity and quality of rice harvests. A combination of proper fertilization, water management, pest and disease control, as well as routine care, will contribute to successful rice cultivation.