Discover key facts about effective paddy fertilization to help increase rice production and maintain soil health. Perfect for students, beginners, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture.
When is the optimal time to apply most nitrogen fertilizer to rice paddies for maximum uptake?
Explanation: Most nitrogen should be applied at the tillering stage when rice plants are rapidly growing, maximizing uptake for healthy development. Applying immediately after harvest provides no benefit to the next crop, before flooding can lead to loss through leaching, and at grain filling is too late to influence growth significantly.
Which method is most effective for applying phosphorus fertilizers in paddy fields?
Explanation: Basal placement of phosphorus before transplanting ensures it is available in the root zone when young rice plants need it most. Broadcasting after flowering is too late to support early growth, foliar spraying is not efficient for phosphorus, and post-harvest surface application does not benefit current crops.
What is a typical symptom of potassium deficiency in rice plants?
Explanation: Potassium deficiency often causes yellowing and browning at the leaf edges, known as leaf scorch. Purple leaves are a sign of phosphorus deficiency, leaf rolling can indicate water stress, and black streaks are commonly linked to disease, not nutrient issues.
Why is zinc sometimes added to paddy soils, especially in flooded conditions?
Explanation: Zinc is essential for normal growth; its deficiency leads to stunted plants and bronzed leaves, particularly in flooded conditions. It does not influence seed size directly, does not acidify soil, and does not affect drainage rates.
Which practice helps reduce fertilizer loss and environmental impact in paddy farming?
Explanation: Splitting nitrogen application ensures better plant uptake throughout growth and reduces environmental loss. Applying all fertilizer at once or during heavy rains increases loss, while avoiding organic matter ignores sustainable practices.