Certainly, here is an article on controlling weeds in direct sowing paddy:
Farmers who opt for direct sowing paddy to save time and money need to be aware of the potential weed problems that can arise during the process. Managing weed growth is essential to ensure better crop yield and quality. Let us take a look at some of the essential information regarding controlling weed growth in direct sowing paddy.
Seed bed preparation
Seed bed preparation is the first and foremost step to control weed growth in direct sowing paddy. Farmers must ensure that the field is free from weeds before seeding. Land preparation should be done thoroughly using a cultivator or tractor to uproot weeds from the field. A minimum of two ploughings is recommended, and any surviving weeds must be removed manually using a hoe or by spot weeding.
Sowing Practices
Proper sowing practices can help manage weed growth throughout the crop cycle. Sowing with higher seed rates and proper spacing are recommended as it helps in quick crop establishment, reducing the emergence of weeds. Uneven sowing can lead to uneven crop growth, which can lead to uneven weed growth as well. Uneven weed growth results in uneven herbicide application, which can cause yield losses.
Weed Control Measures
Weed control measures in direct sowing paddy can be divided into pre and post-emergence methods. Pre-emergence measures include the use of herbicides, while post-emergence methods include the manual removal of weeds.
Pre-emergence measures:
Herbicides: Pre-emergence herbicides must be applied immediately after seeding, but before the crop germinates. Herbicides like Butachlor, Pretilachlor, Anilofos, and several others are effective in controlling weeds in direct sowing paddy. Care must be taken to apply the herbicides uniformly and at the recommended rate as over-application can result in herbicide toxicity, which can cause losses.
Post-emergence measures:
Manual weeding: Manual weeding is recommended if weed growth is extensive. Weeds can be uprooted with the help of a hoe or manually plucked out by a farmer. Careful attention should be given to prevent damage to the crop and ensure that only the weeds are removed.
Conclusion
Proper weed management is essential to ensure good crop yield and quality. Farmers must always keep in mind that timely intervention is vital when it comes to weed control in direct sowing paddy as it is a labor-intensive process. By following the methods outlined above, farmers can significantly reduce weed growth and increase their crop yield.