Bradbrook - 2012 - Rice Farming complete with methods to increase ric

“Mid-season dry down” is the practice of draining the paddies when rice plants are at
the late tillering stage. The dry conditions should be kept for 5 to 8 days. Doing so has
been shown to increase yields, especially when the soil is of the poorly structured
sodic type.
The practice of delayed permanent water (DPW) involves flooding a paddy when rice
plants are at the later growth stage of about two weeks before panicle initiation instead
of the usual flooding at the 3-leaf stage of growth. This practice results in considerable
water savings (15-20%) but presents problems of weed management, nitrogen
application, and delayed crop development. Whereas new methods in weed control
can eliminate the weed problem, the timing of nitrogen application presents greater
risks because it directly affects yield. It is therefore recommended that sowing be done
7 to 10 days earlier than normal if DPW is to be practiced.
9. Grain quality
Key Check: Grains that are harvested when the moisture content is between 20 and
22% have the best grain quality that results in a higher percentage of whole kernels.
Factors that can affect grain moisture content include weather, sowing date, and
draining methods. Temperatures at the time of harvest should be carefully monitored.
Quality assurance
Key Check: Harvest operations should ensure that no contaminants such as weed
seeds, off-types, insects, and inorganic materials are mixed with the paddy rice.
Milling operations should yield grains that are whole, clean, not discolored, free of
contaminants, and with no unusual flavors.
Limitations o f the Ricecheck System
1. Requires farmer participation:
The Ricecheck System requires the participation of farmers to share the necessary data
and know-how with extension workers and researchers. As in the case in Australia,
not all rice farmers are willing to be part of the system because it requires
considerable investment in time (e.g. measurements and record keeping) and other
resources.