Direct seeding of rice and opportunities for improving productivity in Asia
2008
Johnson, D.E. | Haefele, S.M., International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Baños, Philippines | Rathore, A.L., Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India | Romyen, P., Phi Mai Rice Experiment Station, Phi Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand | Pane, H., Indoensian Institute for Rice Research, Sukamandi, West Java, Indonesia
Direct seeding of rice with dry seed is thought to be the oldest method of establishing the crop, but this gave way to transplanting in many areas to reduce losses to weeds and raise yields. Traditional dry-seeding methods prevail in many areas, however, and opportunities exist to raise productivity through improved management. In other areas, direct seeding allows earlier rice establishment and increases the probability that farmers will be able to grow a second crop. Rising labor costs have led farmers to return to direct seeding and, in other areas, farmers are likely to change in the near future. Varietal development could contribute to improving the productivity of the direct-seeding systems. Rapid rice seedling growth is one characteristic that may help crop establishment and reduce losses to weeds. Weed management, however, is critical to successful direct seeding and options are required to manage the likely changes in weed species. Problem species include weedy rice and Echinochloa spp. Rainfed lowland areas may be characterized by the substantial variability that occurs, particularly in relation to rainfall. To allow farmers to respond to such conditions, flexible management options are required to allow them to exploit prevailing conditions more fully.
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