According to recent surveys, the majority of rice seedlings are traditionally raised in flooded fields. However, this method often leads to poor soil permeability and cold slush, which can hinder the development of strong seedlings and increase susceptibility to post-emergence diseases. To address these challenges, dry seedling cultivation has emerged as a more effective alternative.
Dry seedling technique involves growing rice seedlings in dry land conditions, where oxygen levels are higher, and water, air, and nutrients can be better managed. This environment promotes robust root development and stronger seedlings. By using this method, farmers can reduce planting density in the field, allowing for more efficient use of tillers, leading to larger panicles, stable yields, and higher productivity.
The main advantages of dry seedling technology include stronger seedlings, improved root activity, better cold resistance, faster rooting after transplanting, increased tillering capacity, higher spike formation rate, larger grains, better grain filling, earlier planting, quicker maturation, and enhanced drought tolerance—often 3-5 days ahead of conventional methods.
**Preparation before sowing:**
1. **Seedbed selection and preparation:** Choose a dry area that is well-drained and receives plenty of sunlight. Prepare the bed with uniform size, compact the base, and spread the prepared soil to raise the ground temperature. It’s recommended to prepare the bed 5-7 days before covering it with plastic film.
2. **Soil preparation:** Based on the fertility of the field, well-decomposed farmyard manure or mountain humus soil can be used. Traditionally, soil acidification was necessary during seedling raising, but modern practices usually avoid this. The soil layer should be about 5-6 cm thick.
3. **Seed preparation:**
- **Drying:** For the first 3-5 days, dry the seeds to improve germination rates.
- **Seed selection:** Remove impurities by wind and salt selection.
- **Disinfection and soaking:** Soak seeds in a bactericide for 4 days, then immerse them in acidic water (pH 3.5–4) for 3–4 days. Rinse thoroughly and germinate. Acid soaking significantly improves germination speed, reduces germination time, and enhances root development, while also reducing the incidence of seedling blight and increasing yield by 6–9%.
- **Germination:** After soaking, place the seeds in a warm environment (around 30°C). Acid-treated seeds typically break the chest within 20–22 hours. Once 80% have sprouted, move them to a shaded area for sowing.
**Sowing:**
Sow between April 10th and 15th, using 4–5 kg of wet seeds per mu. One day before sowing, water the seedbeds. After sowing, water again to ensure the seeds adhere to the soil surface. Cover with fine soil and apply a thin layer of mulch. Finally, cover with a plastic sheet to retain moisture and promote emergence.
**Field management:**
Once the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic cover. Maintain a canopy temperature of around 30°C. After the seedlings develop their full leaves, gradually lower the temperature to 25°C. Ventilation should start with light winds, then gradually increase. Avoid sudden temperature changes. Monitor the seedlings closely: if the tips show morning dew, there's no need for watering. If not, water immediately. Dry seedling management primarily relies on base fertilizer, with careful attention to moisture levels.
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