RRDI_CropEstablishment_LandPreparation_WetBed

Rice-the staple food-Crop Establishment

Wet-bed Method

Nursery location

Develop in a part of the same field that crops will be grown.
- total seed bed area is about 1/10 of the area to be transplanted.
- nursery site should not be in a shady place

Construction of the seed bed

Soil is well puddled and leveled before nursery establishment.
Drainage canals are constructed between seed beds for proper water management.
Decomposed organic manure and basal inorganic fertilizer dressing is added
- facilitates easy uprooting of seedlings.
- increases seedling vigor.

Nursery maintanance

Maintained in a moist condition for about 5 days.
- free from weeds, pests and diseases.
- without nutrient deficiencies.

Requirement

About 50 kg per Ha.
Seed rate is adjusted for small grain varieties.

Seed prepraration

Soaked for a minimum of 24 hours (using clean water).
Incubated for about 48 hours (in a warm dry place).

Nursery establishment

Nursery is drained well before seed sowing.
Pre-germinated seeds are broadcasted uniformly over the seed bed.
Once the seedlings are established,
- - nursery is impounded with water.
  - water level is raised gradually.

Seedlings are kept for about 12-21 days (depending on the age class of the variety).

Wet-bed nurseries assure rapid seedling growth and allow easy uprooting of seedlings.