Rice Nursery
There are four distinct methods for sowing rice in nurseries around the world. The wet-bed nursery, the dry-bed nursery, the dapog nursery, and the seedling transplanting rice nursery are the various ways. With the introduction of the direct seed method, a new and ideal method for sowing rice has been developed. This technique is known as “Direct Seeding Rice”. The advantages and disadvantages of each nursery are diverse from one another. The Philippines pioneered the practice of dapog rice nursery, which is now popular throughout Southeast Asia. However, this is not a common practice around the world.
What is Rice
The seeds of the grasses Oryza sativa (Asian rice) and Oryza glaberrima are used to manufacture rice (African rice). Various species of rice, some of which are wild and others of which are cultivated, are together. Domesticated rice is the most widely consumed cereal grain in the world, particularly in Asia and Africa, where it constitutes a substantial element of the daily diets of more than half the worldwide population. It is the third most widely produced agricultural product in the world, following sugarcane and corn.
Rice provides more than one-fifth of the calories consumed by humans worldwide, making it the most significant crop in terms of human nutrition and caloric intake, whereas sugarcane and maize are mostly utilized for non-human use. When it comes to the several types of rice available, regional cuisines have distinct preferences. In traditional rice production, it is customary practice to flood the fields during or after planting the rice nursery. This simple method deters pests and restricts the growth of weaker weeds and pest plants that do not require a submerged growth stage. It is feasible to farm rice without flooding, but it requires a different method of nourishing the soil and more work during the growing season to prevent weeds and pests.
Production of Rice
The global production of paddy rice was 756.7 million metric tons, of which China and India accounted for 52 percent. Significant manufacturers included Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Vietnam. As much as 91% of global output was produced by just 15 companies, five of which controlled the market. Ninety-five percent of global output is produced by emerging nations. Rice is a key staple crop in rural areas, therefore food security often depends on it. Farmers with less than a hectare of land are the primary producers. Workers in cash crop and non-agricultural industries frequently receive rice as compensation. Rice is essential to the food security of more than half of the world’s population, as it is a staple meal across Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
Methods of Rice Nursery Sowing
- Wet Bed Rice Nursery
- Dry Bed Rice Nursery
- Dapog Rice Nursery
- Seedling Transplanting Rice Nursery
- Direct Seeding Rice
Wet-Bed Rice Nursery Method
Where there is a lot of water, a wet-bed rice nursery is a preferred approach. The soil is carefully puddled and leveled, and then pre-germinated seeds are distributed on top. The water must be effectively drained, necessitating the construction of drainage canals. By applying a mixture of decomposed organic manure and a trace amount of inorganic fertilizer as a basal dressing, you can improve the ease with which you can uproot your seedlings and the strength of your seedlings. A hectare of land requires around 40 kg of seed, and the total area of the seed beds is approximately one-tenth of the area to be planted. The optimal transplanting age for a rice nursery is between 15 and 21 days. In nurseries, weeds, insects, diseases, and nutrient deficits have no place. If something of this nature occurs, it must be addressed on a well-before level.
Dry-Bed Rice Nursery
This method is utilized when there is insufficient water for a wet bed rice nursery, such as in rainfed circumstances and other locales. Methods for preparing a dry-bed rice nursery include: 7.5 guntas are equal to one hectare. Repeated plowing and harrowing create a magnificent tilth on the seedbed field. Prepare seventy-five 7.5 x 1.2 x 10-centimeter beds. Planned irrigation channels are required between bed rows. Spread 25 kilograms of farmyard manure (FYM) or compost and 90 grams of nitrogen, 45 grams of phosphorus, and 45 grams of potassium from chemical fertilizers over each bed.
Incorporate the recommended seeds into the trellises. When the soil is sufficiently moist, or in anticipation of rain, dry seeds are sown and covered with thin boards. Farmers may choose to irrigate the ground and sow seeds under optimal planting circumstances when the soil is warm and moist. The rice nursery is ready to be planted in 25 to 30 days. You must ensure that the seedbed is damp before beginning to pluck. To protect plants in accordance with regional rules, precautions are made.
Dapog Rice Nursery
As long as they are situated on a level, sturdy surface, Dapog rice nurseries can flourish regardless of the soil or climate conditions. Less than one percent of the area that can be used for transplants is required, which is around 100 m2/ha. Compared to wet/dry-bed nurseries, the cost of uprooting a seedling in a “dapog” is low. However, transplanting can be more difficult due to the seedlings’ small size. Dapog nurseries offer relatively young seedlings with a reduced risk of transplant shock, making them perfect for short-lived varieties. If we wish to avoid water stress, we must implement irrigation.
Rice Nursery Direct Seeding Rice
According to statistics, 40% of the world’s irrigation water is utilized for traditional rice farming. This customary method of rice farming is becoming unfeasible as a result of climate change and urbanization-induced water scarcity. In view of obstacles such as a lack of labor force and shrinking arable land, creative techniques for rice cultivation are urgently required to meet rising demand and ensure food security. Direct-seeded rice is a strategy that could assist with these issues. Direct seeding is an alternative to the typical method of cultivating seedlings in a rice nursery and then transplanting them into flooded fields. Instead, rice seeds are sown directly into the field.
Direct-seeded rice is one of the most efficient, environmentally friendly, and commercially viable rice production systems currently in use. DSR is more suitable for mechanization, conserves resources such as water and labor, has a shorter growing cycle, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change in comparison to the traditional puddled transplanted rice method utilized throughout Asia. Young and female farmers are attracted to mechanized DSR because it is less labor-intensive and devoid of drudgery. Additionally, it generates employment prospects through the supply of new services. In Asia, where 90 percent of the world’s rice is produced and consumed, productivity concerns have kept direct seeding from obtaining widespread acceptance. This emphasizes the need for a holistic and scientific strategy to make direct-seeded rice socially and environmentally sustainable.
Rice Seedling Nursery
A rice seedling nursery is a specialized area or facility where rice seeds are germinated and grown into healthy seedlings before they are transplanted into the main rice fields. Establishing a seedling nursery is an important step in rice cultivation, as it allows for more controlled and efficient crop management. Here are the key steps and considerations for setting up a rice seedling nursery:
Site Selection: Choose a suitable location for the nursery. It should have access to a reliable source of water for irrigation and drainage, be free from flooding, and receive ample sunlight.
Preparation of Seedbeds: Prepare the seedbeds where the rice seeds will be sown. These can be raised beds or trays with well-prepared soil. Ensure the soil is fertile and free from pests and diseases.
Seed Selection: Use high-quality rice seeds that are disease-free and of a suitable rice variety for your region.
Sowing: Sow the rice seeds evenly on the seedbeds, making sure to provide proper spacing to prevent overcrowding.
Irrigation: Maintain a consistent level of moisture in the seedbeds by using controlled irrigation. This helps the seeds germinate and the seedlings grow.
Protection from Pests and Diseases: Implement pest and disease management practices to protect the young seedlings. This may include the use of organic or chemical treatments as necessary.
Weeding: Regularly remove weeds from the seedbeds to prevent competition for nutrients and space.
Thinning: Thin the seedlings when they reach a suitable size. This involves removing excess seedlings to allow the remaining ones more space to grow.
Nutrient Management: Provide adequate nutrients to the seedlings by using suitable fertilizers. This ensures healthy growth.
Hardening: Before transplanting, expose the seedlings to outdoor conditions gradually to make them more resistant to environmental stress.
How Much DAP Per Acre For Paddy
The recommended rate of DAP (Diammonium phosphate) fertilizer application for paddy (rice) can vary depending on various factors such as soil fertility, variety of rice, local agricultural practices, and specific nutrient requirements. However, as a general guideline, you can consider applying DAP at the rate of around 50 to 100 kg per acre for paddy cultivation.
It’s essential to conduct a soil test before applying fertilizers to determine the exact nutrient requirements of your specific field. Soil tests will provide information about the nutrient levels in your soil, allowing you to make more precise fertilizer recommendations based on the actual needs of your crop.
Additionally, local agricultural extension services or agronomists may have specific recommendations based on the conditions in your region, so it’s a good idea to consult with them for tailored advice on fertilizer application rates for paddy cultivation in your area. Proper fertilization is crucial to achieve optimal crop yields while avoiding the overuse of fertilizers, which can harm the environment.
Why Paddy Is First Grown In Nursery
Paddy, also known as rice (Oryza sativa), is often first grown in a nursery before being transplanted to the main field for several reasons:
Controlled Environment: Nursery beds provide a controlled environment where farmers can ensure the optimal conditions for germination and early growth. This includes controlling temperature, humidity, and water levels to promote healthy seedling development.
Protection from Pests and Diseases: Seedlings in a nursery are easier to protect from pests and diseases compared to seed sown directly in the field. The controlled environment allows for better pest and disease management, reducing the risk of crop loss.
Efficient Land and Resource Use: Growing paddy seedlings in a nursery allows farmers to efficiently use their land and resources. Instead of directly sowing seeds across a large field, they can concentrate their efforts on a smaller nursery area. This results in better resource utilization and seedling management.
Early Growth Stages: Rice seedlings are delicate in their early growth stages. The nursery provides a nurturing environment where they can develop a strong root system and healthy shoots before being transplanted into the main field.
Timing and Crop Management: Nursery-grown seedlings allow farmers to have better control over the timing of planting. They can prepare the seedlings in advance and transplant them into the main field at an optimal stage for growth, which can be influenced by weather conditions and other factors.
Weed Control: Weeding is easier in a nursery setting, as there are fewer weeds to contend with compared to a large field. This helps maintain the health and vigor of the rice seedlings.
Water Management: In some regions with limited water resources, nursery beds can be more efficiently irrigated, ensuring that the young rice plants receive the necessary moisture without wastage.