SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ (PIA) -- Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is reminding farmers to follow proper water management practices in the rice fields.
This is in line with the agency's PalayCheck System, specifically Key Check 6, which focuses on avoiding stress caused by drought or excessive water that affects the growth and yield of rice.
PhilRice Rice Engineering and Mechanization Division Science Research Specialist I Rachelle Martin said the proper amount of water is important in rice production as it helps in the adequate flow of nutrients to various parts of the plant.
She added that this would contribute to the efficient use and absorption of fertilizers, as well as to the good tillering and growth of rice.
Moreover, the proper amount of water will also facilitate easier management of snails and grass. With correct water supply, the plants will grow and mature simultaneously making fieldwork more manageable.
Meanwhile, both excess and lack of water in the fields have adverse effects on rice production.
Martin explained that water deficiency in rice fields may result in low fertilizer efficiency, leading to low yields and poor grain quality. Excessive water supply, on the other hand, may lead to high irrigation costs and imbalanced nutrition.
This could also result in low fertilizer efficiency, low yields, and high greenhouse gas emissions which have negative effects on the environment.
As such, Martin emphasized the importance of following PhilRice’s recommendations to ensure proper water management in the fields.
These include maintaining proper water level in the fields, implementing controlled irrigation or using Alternate Wetting and Drying technology in water-deficient areas, and scheduling irrigation based on the plant's needs.
In this way, it is expected that problems related to water scarcity or excess in rice fields can be avoided.
For more information, farmers may contact the PhilRice text center hotline at 0917-111-7423 or visit the official website at www.philrice.gov.ph. (CLJD/MAECR-PIA 3)
