As one of the most important staple crops in many parts of the world, rice or paddy farming has been providing livelihoods and food for millions of people. Paddy farming is known for its intricate and demanding tasks, especially during the transplanting phase. To ensure a successful paddy transplanting process, farmers must apply the appropriate fertilizer dose.
The fertilizer dose is a crucial factor that determines the plant’s growth and yield. It is especially important during the transplanting phase because the rice plants require adequate nutrients to establish strong roots and continue to grow. Typically, farmers apply fertilizers in three stages during the paddy growing stage: pre-planting, at the time of transplanting, and top-dressing.
At the time of paddy transplanting, farmers typically apply fertilizer to ensure the plants will grow healthy and produce abundant yields. The ideal fertilizer dose for paddy transplanting depends on several factors, including the type of soil, water availability, and the rice variety being grown. Generally, farmers apply a balanced fertilizer such as NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) in varying proportions to the transplanted paddy.
The recommended fertilizer dose for paddy transplanting is 120 kg of NPK per hectare, although farmers may adjust the rate accordingly based on factors such as soil fertility, plant growth, and local weather conditions. However, to ensure that the fertilizer dose is accurate for their specific fields, farmers should conduct soil tests and seek recommendations from agricultural extension workers.
The fertilizer dose and application method also depend on the type of planting method used. In the traditional method where seedlings are transplanted one-at-a-time, a commonly used application is to mix fertilizer with the topsoil layer at the base of the hole where the seedling will be planted. Another method involves applying the fertilizer directly to the rice bunches.
In summary, the fertilizer dose is a critical factor in the successful transplantation of paddy. Farmers should adopt appropriate measures to ensure that the fertilizer application is adequate, timely, and based on the specific conditions in their fields. With the proper application of fertilizers at the time of paddy transplanting, farmers can expect to achieve high yields and better-quality produce.