Rice Booting and Heading Stage

Fertilization of rice crop-

• Apply one-third of the nitrogen as a top dress during the early stage.
• Apply less nitrogen if you are planting inbred seeds.
• Drain out water before top dressing with nitrogen fertilizer, and let in water 24 hours later.
• Apply the fertilizer by broadcasting as evenly as possible.
• Do not fertilize the field before rain.
• In an established crop, apply chemical fertilizer only in standing water and evenly across the whole field.
• Do not apply the high rates of fertilizers for traditional varieties, as they may have limited response and cause lodging.

Monitor the field/ self field inspection-

Monitor the growth of your crop often. Walk through your field in a random manner or zigzag and check for signs of diseases, pests and deficiencies. Deficiencies are characterized by the discoloration of leaves and poor vigor of the plants. Diseases are often visible as discoloration and spots or streaks on leaves. Finally, remember that most of the insects present in the field are beneficial for your crop. Those that attack your crop will leave behind damage on leaves and buds in the form of holes.

• Apply the rest of the nitrogen dose a week before panicle initiation.
• If you are using urea, apply 25 kg per acre.