Rice farming, an ancient and intelligent farming technique, supports the food needs of billions of people around the world. From seed selection to harvesting, every step contains the crystallization of science and practice. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the four main steps of rice planting and lead readers to explore the secrets behind this green field.
First of all, the journey of rice planting begins with "seed selection and processing". Seeds are the starting point of life, and they are especially crucial for rice cultivation. Farmers choose the right rice varieties according to the local climatic conditions, for example, tropical regions may be suitable for heat, disease resistance and high yields, while cold or temperate regions need to choose cold-tolerant, early-maturing varieties. Soil type also has a direct impact on the choice of rice varieties, for example, sandy loam soil is suitable for planting varieties with high fertilizer requirements and long growth period, while clay soil soil is more suitable for rice with waterlogging tolerance and well-developed root system. At the same time, market demand is also an important consideration, and the trend of demand for high-quality, special, or high-yield rice can influence planting decisions.
Before planting, the seeds also need to undergo a series of pre-treatments to activate their vitality. Drying seeds is the first step, through sunlight, it can not only reduce the moisture content in the seeds, improve the vigor of the seeds, but also kill some of the germs attached to the surface of the seeds. This is followed by soaking, which is easier for seeds to germinate and grow after properly absorbing water. In addition, disinfection is also an indispensable part, using lime water, chemicals and other methods to kill the source of pests and diseases that may be carried, and lay the foundation for the healthy growth of seedlings.
The second step is "ploughing and land preparation", which is to create a good environment for rice growth. After winter, farmers use plows to plough paddy fields to break up soil compaction, increase soil aeration, facilitate microbial activity and organic matter decomposition, and provide more nutrients for rice to absorb. They then rake the field to ensure that the irrigation water is evenly distributed, and also to facilitate the later operation of mechanical or manual transplanting. At this stage, basal fertilizers, such as farmhouse fertilizers, compound fertilizers, etc., are applied to provide a steady supply of nutrients for rice throughout the growth period.
In the third step of "sowing and raising seedlings", most areas of China adopt the method of seedling transplanting. The treated seeds are sown in a special seedbed and carefully managed so that the seedlings can grow vigorously to a height of about 20-30 cm, at which time the root system of the seedlings is developed, which is convenient for rapid adaptation to the new environment after transplantation and root growth. In some specific areas, due to geography, climate and other factors, the direct seeding method will be chosen, that is, the seeds will be directly sown in the field to let them take root and germinate in situ, but this method has higher requirements for field management.
Finally, "planting and management" is crucial. According to the scientific row spacing, the raised seedlings are inserted into the paddy field to ensure that each seedling can fully receive light, water and nutrients. After transplanting, refined field management followed, including irrigation at the right time and in the right amount to keep the paddy field neither short of water nor too wet; Reasonable fertilization to meet the nutritional needs of different growth periods; Weeding regularly to avoid weeds competing for nutrients and space; Timely control of pests and diseases to protect the healthy growth of rice. In the golden autumn season, when the rice is headed, flowered, filled and matured, and the rice is full and hangs its head, it is the best time to harvest.
The above four steps constitute the basic process of rice planting, but the specific operation details need to be adapted to local conditions, time conditions, and flexible use of modern agricultural science and technology means to achieve high and stable rice yield, ensure food security, and continue this gift from the earth.