Water Management after Rice Transplantation
After transplanting rice, effective and scientifically sound water management tailored to the different growth stages is a fundamental technique for achieving high and stable yields in hybrid rice. Proper irrigation not only supports healthy plant development but also ensures optimal grain production.
**Shallow Water Irrigation**
Once the seedlings enter the tillering stage, shallow water irrigation should be the primary method. A water layer of about 1 to 2 inches (approximately 2.5 to 5 cm) is typically recommended. Maintaining too deep a water level can delay root development and cause delayed tillering, leading to excessive vegetative growth. On the other hand, if the water level is too shallow, it may result in over-branching, which consumes more nutrients and leads to a large number of unproductive tillers.
**Field Seedling Control**
When the rice plants have developed a sufficient number of tillers, it's important to drain the field slightly to control late tillering. However, this should be done carefully. In regions prone to summer droughts or where water supply is uncertain, it's not advisable to dry the field completely. Doing so could lead to water stress during the mid to late growth stages, negatively affecting grain formation and overall yield.
**Water During Booting and Heading**
During the booting stage, rice requires adequate moisture to support ear development. At this time, the paddy field should maintain a water depth of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm). During the heading phase, the water level should be reduced to about 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) to prevent waterlogging. If the field experiences water shortages during these critical periods, it can result in uneven panicle development, or even failure to head, severely impacting the final yield.
By following these water management practices, farmers can ensure that their hybrid rice crops receive the right amount of water at the right time, promoting strong growth, better tillering, and ultimately higher productivity.
Guangzhou Fuerle Health Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.fuerlegroup.com