Seeding
• Dry seeding is an easier way to plant rice and normally performs well in fields where the seedbed has been well-prepared and/or red rice is not a severe problem.
• Rice can be dry seeded using a grain drill. When the rice is drill-seeded, a well-prepared, leveled and weed free seedbed is advantageous. A well-prepared seedbed will facilitate uniform seeding depth, which is important in establishing a uniform stand.
• Seeding depth is important with all varieties. It is especially critical with semi-dwarf varieties because these varieties have inherently slower development during the seedling stage, and the mesocotyl length is shorter than conventional-height varieties. Therefore, semi-dwarf varieties should be seeded no deeper than 2 centimeters (¾ inch) to maximize uniform stand establishment.
• Conventional-height varieties may be planted somewhat deeper, but seeding depths greater than 3.8 centimeters (1.5 inches) should be avoided with any variety, in order to avoid lack of oxygen to seed when germinating.
• Where soil moisture is adequate, a flush, or surface irrigation, following seeding may not be necessary. When soil moisture is insufficient and rainfall is not imminent, the field should be flushed within 4 days of seeding to ensure uniform seedling emergence.
• This pattern simplifies tillage operations and completely avoid damages due to waves during germination. When rice is dry-drilled, tillering is normally inferior if compared with water-planted crop, thus seed rate should be increased of 10%. Dry drilled rice is less subject to lodging.