Different Methods for Direct Sowing (Seed Broadcasting)

How do we perform wet seeding?

• Pre-germinated seeds are used as the planting material.
• Seeds are broadcasted in to the field.
  • Randomly OR
  • In rows (manually or using mechanical seeders).
• Seed rate – ~400 seeds/sq m.
• After sowing, field is intermittently wetted to avoid seed desiccation.
• After 01 week (5 cm tall seedlings), water is impounded to the field (about 2cm height) .

Important factors to be considered?

• Stand establishment may be affected by various factors and result variable seedling densities in the field, such as,
  • quality and vigor of seeds
  • quality of land preparation
  • weed competition
  • water management
  • environmental conditions (e.g. rainfall during the initial period after sowing)
  • physical damages
• Use of seed paddy with a good seed vigor may help overcoming these issues.
• Row seeding will assit
  • mechanical control of weeds.
  • better crop management.
  • optimum seedling density in the field.
• However, row seeding is practiced in limited scale because of the cost and the difficulty in obtaining implements.