Dry Season 2026 LAND PREPARATION | Direct Seeding

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✓ For higher rice yields, proper land prep involves clearing, initial plowing/tillage to incorporate residue, flooding/puddling to soften soil, final harrowing for fine tilth, and precise leveling for uniform water/nutrients, significantly improving weed control, root growth, and water efficiency, crucial for lowland rice. Key is timely execution (e.g., 1-2 weeks before planting) and good bund maintenance to hold water, creating ideal conditions for rice growth and minimizing pest issues. 

Key Steps for High-Yield Rice Land Prep:

Clearing & Weeding: Remove weeds and tall vegetation, possibly using herbicides or by incorporating them during early plowing.

Pre-Irrigation (Soaking): Flood the field 2-3 days before plowing to soften soil, help decompose residue, and drown some pests/weeds.

Primary Plowing (Tillage):

Use a disc/moldboard plow to turn soil, burying crop residues and deep weeds, ideally 6-8 weeks before planting.

Depth: Aim for 10-15 cm.

Secondary Plowing/Harrowing (Puddling):

After initial plowing, flood and use a hand tractor or animal-drawn harrow to break clods, mix soil and water into a fine mud (puddle), and further incorporate organic matter.

This creates a good seedbed and helps control weeds.

Leveling (Crucial!):

Use a plank or laser leveler to create a smooth, flat surface.

Benefits: Ensures uniform water depth (essential for rice), better fertilizer efficiency, even weed suppression, uniform crop maturation, and easier transplanting/management.

Bunds & Drainage: Repair bunds (dikes) to hold water and construct small canals for controlled irrigation and drainage. 

Why it Works:

Weed Control: Puddling and leveling smother weeds, while standing water inhibits most aquatic weeds.

Nutrient Management: Incorporating straw and manure improves soil structure and nutrient retention.

Water Efficiency: Level fields ensure water covers all plants equally, reducing waste.

Root Development: Loosened, puddled soil allows roots to penetrate easily.

Pest Reduction: Flooding can kill soil-borne pests and insects hiding in residue.