Fertilization management plays a crucial role in ensuring healthy rice growth and maximizing yield. Here's a detailed guide on how to manage fertilization effectively at different stages of the plant's development.
**1. Seedling Stage:**
The seedling stage refers to when about 80% of the planned number of panicles have emerged. Under normal weather conditions, this usually takes around 16-18 days after transplanting in conventional tillage, and 18-20 days in direct seeding. The timing of fertilization depends on factors like weather, soil fertility, and the actual growth of the seedlings.
- **If the seedlings are not growing well**, showing weak growth or pale leaves, it’s time to apply fertilizer. A recommended dose is approximately 1.75 kg of pure nitrogen along with 2-3 times that amount of potassium chloride.
- **If the seedlings are growing well but the leaf color is still not sufficient**, it may be due to poor soil fertility or insufficient early fertilization. In such cases, apply about 1.25 kg of pure nitrogen with a ratio of 1:3 (nitrogen to potassium).
- **If the seedlings are vigorous and the leaves are dark green**, avoid applying nitrogen. Instead, use phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Mix a small amount of superphosphate with 7.5 kg of potassium chloride for best results.
**2. Panicle Initiation Stage:**
This stage typically occurs about 40 days after transplanting, when the leaves begin to turn red. Fertilizer application during this period should be based on the degree of leaf redness.
- **If the leaves show good redness and adequate maturity**, apply around 2 kg of pure nitrogen with a 1:2 ratio of nitrogen to potassium. Combine with compound fertilizer for better nutrient balance.
- **If the redness is moderate**, reduce nitrogen slightly but ensure enough potassium. For example, 1.25 kg of pure nitrogen with a 1:3 ratio can be used.
- **If the leaves do not turn red**, avoid applying nitrogen. Focus instead on phosphorus and potassium. Mix a small amount of superphosphate with 5–7.5 kg of potassium chloride and apply it in wet mud.
**3. Young Panicle Differentiation (4th to 5th stage):**
During this phase, the main shoot enters a critical growth period. The panicle length is about 0.5–1 cm, and if the leaf color is still inadequate, some additional nutrients may be needed.
Apply 7.5–10 kg of compound fertilizer per mu, avoiding the use of only urea. If the leaf color is already healthy, this step may be skipped.
**Water Management:**
Once the seedlings are well-established, maintain an open field environment with sufficient sunlight. One week before panicle differentiation, allow the field to dry slightly to increase oxygen levels in the soil. This promotes better photosynthesis, enhances nutrient transport, and helps control premature leaf discoloration. After panicle differentiation, keep the soil moist, and apply water only during fertilization periods.
**Pest Control:**
Rice fields during the mid-growth stage often face challenges like high population density, poor ventilation, and humidity, which can lead to issues like “dragon boat water.†Effective pest control is essential during this time.
Common pests include sheath blight, rice blast, bacterial leaf streak, leaf rollers, and planthoppers. Treatments include fungicides, bactericides, and insecticides. At the seedling and panicle differentiation stages, mix 50 g of Mu Wenlingling in 75 kg of water, or combine 50 g of wormwood spirit with 150–200 ml of insecticide cream or 100 ml of water-based insecticide to prevent disease outbreaks.
By following these practices, farmers can ensure optimal growth, improve yield, and reduce the risk of crop failure.
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