Introduction to major field crops (1+1)

Sowing

Time of Sowing
Optimum time of sowing is decided by the onset of monsoon rains. First fortnight of June is the optimum time for getting higher yields from rainfed lowlands.

Seed Rate
Seed rates of 75-100 kg/ha is recommended for rainfed lowlands.

Spacing
Seeds are placed at a spacing of 20x15 cm is considered more useful than broadcast method of seeding which results in uneven crop stand.

Method of Sowing
In therainfed lowland areas, rice crop is either through direct seeding in relatively dry soil or are transplanted after accumulation of water in the field. Transplanting in excess water results in a shock to the seedlings and greater part of the plant remains in water, resulting in poor stand establishment. Direct seeded crop does not experience any such shock and the crop already established acclimatizes faster to the greater depths of water stagnation and maintain most of the plant parts above the water, thereby resulting in greater survival. Therefore, direct seeding is better than transplanting under rainfed flood-prone condition.Country plough or seed drills are used for the purpose of row seeding.