Techniques for Topdressing Rice
1. Top dressing should be done in a timely manner
Premature application of ear fertilizer can lead to rapid nutrient growth and an increase in ineffective tillers. If applied too late, it can lead to late ripening, excessive growth of tender leaves, inducing diseases and pests, lodging, and reduced yield.
Generally, the internode of rice begins to elongate, and the young panicle begins to differentiate at the fertilization stage, about 15 days before heading, when the pollen mother cell begins meiosis.
At this time, fertilization not only promotes the panicle branches and spikelets, but also has a good effect on increasing the number of spikelets, grains, and grain weight.
2. Topdressing should be done in moderation
When fertilizing rice during the booting stage, it is important to look at the fields and seedlings. If the soil fertility is sufficient, the base fertilizer is sufficient, the rice seedlings grow vigorously, and the leaves are dark green, it is appropriate to apply less.
On the contrary, apply more appropriately. Usually, 8-10 kilograms of high-quality compound fertilizer are applied per acre. If the leaves are yellow green in color, adding 5-7 kilograms of urea per acre can promote seedling growth and can also be used as a strong grain fertilizer.
3. Topdressing should be done appropriately
During the booting stage of rice, the temperature is generally high, the leaf transpiration is large, and the plant grows vigorously. This is the period when rice needs more water during its growth. As the agricultural proverb goes, 'When the grain is packed, the water is at the waist level'.
When topdressing, it must be combined with deep irrigation, and topdressing should be sprayed to avoid high-temperature evaporation, and a small amount of washing powder or soybean milk should be added to the fertilizer solution to increase adhesion and improve the effect.
At the same time, it is necessary to effectively prevent and control diseases, pests, and weeds, ensuring the safe booting, heading, flowering, and fruiting of rice, and striving for high-quality and high yield.
