Nursery management is the most critical part of paddy crop cultivation as it provides the foundation for successful growth and development of rice plants. The quality of the nursery directly impacts the plant’s growth, health, yield, and overall profitability of the farmers.
Here are some essential aspects of nursery management in paddy crop:
1) Site selection: Choose a well-drained, levelled, and sundrenched area near a water source. Ensure that the soil is free from weeds, stones, and debris that can interfere with the growth of seedlings.
2) Seed selection: Use high-quality seeds that are disease-free, drought resistant, and have higher germination rates. The seed should be obtained from a reliable source and should have a minimum purity and germination rate of 80%.
3) Soil preparation: Prepare the soil by ploughing, levelling, and incorporating organic matter (compost, farmyard manure, etc.). This will improve the soil’s structure, fertility, and water-holding capacity.
4) Seedbed preparation: Prepare the seedbed by irrigating immediately after leveling. The seedbed should be compacted and finely tilled to ensure uniform soil moisture. Ensure a suitable spacing between ridges and furrows to facilitate proper drainage.
5) Seed treatment: Dip or spray the seed with an appropriate fungicide to control seed-borne diseases before sowing.
6) Sowing: Sow the seed in the evening or early morning, ensuring that the seed is spread uniformly over the seedbed. The seed rate typically ranges from 90-120 kg/ha for hybrid varieties and 120-150 kg/ha for inbred cultivars.
7) Irrigation: Irrigate the seedbed immediately after sowing to promote seed germination. Subsequent irrigation should be done at regular intervals to maintain optimum soil moisture levels, ensuring that the seedlings do not suffer from waterlogging or drought stress.
8) Weeding: Remove weed infestation in the nursery bed at regular intervals to reduce weed competition and ensure the healthy growth of seedlings.
9) Fertilization: Apply appropriate doses of fertilizers (e.g., N:P:K, 20:40:20) at recommended intervals to promote healthy plant growth.
10) Pest and Disease control: Monitor the nursery regularly for any pest and disease attacks and take appropriate measures to control them. Use organic and/or chemical pesticides as necessary, following the recommended dosage and safety measures.
In summary, proper nursery management in paddy crop cultivation is essential for ensuring healthy seedlings, which are the foundation of successful crop growth and optimal yield. By following the above steps, farmers can ensure healthy growth and high yields, which will ultimately lead to increased profitability.