Deep Sowing of Dry Direct-seeded Rice: Cultivar Differences in Seedling Establishment and Grain Yield

May 30, 2023

In Asia, rapid economic growth has also caused a shift of labor from agriculture to other industries, and the increase in farm labor demand has increased the labor cost for rice cultivation. To address these water and labor shortages, dry direct seeding of rice (DDSR) is increasingly being used across Asia. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of different sowing depths on crop growth, phenology, and grain yield of DDSR.

Conventional rice (Oryza sativa L.) farming with transplanting in puddled fields requires large amounts of water and labor. The total seasonal water input to rice fields is typically 1300 to 1500 mm, which is two to three times the amount required by other cereals.

However, water for rice cultivation is becoming increasingly scarce owing to the lowering of groundwater levels and declining river flows in many parts of Asia. Climate change is also leading to more extreme precipitation patterns, leading to an uncertain water supply.

In Asia, rapid economic growth has also caused a shift of labor from agriculture to other industries, and the increase in farm labor demand has increased the labor cost for rice cultivation.

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Video: Syngenta Ag Stories - Reanna Hagel, Channel Marketing Manager

Growing up on a cow-calf operation and small feedlot near Lumby, BC, Reanna learned agriculture the hands-on way with her sister on the family farm. Today, as Channel Marketing Manager for Syngenta Canada, what Reanna loves most about her work is simple: the customer is always at the centre. Whether that's a grower or a channel partner, she understands them on a personal level - because she's the daughter of one. But for Reanna, supporting ag doesn't stop at her job. She volunteers with local 4-H clubs, lends a hand to her farming neighbours, and is raising her own kids to understand and respect the land. Her advice to the next generation? "It's an amazing time to be in the industry - it's going to look completely different in 20 years. To be part of the evolution is very exciting."