NURSERY MANAGEMENT IN PADDY
By : Mr.Sanjay Naithani
 Paddy is the major cereal in India and is cultivated in approximately 44m Ha. Most of the paddy crop is cultivated by transplanting technique. Seedling nurseries use 5 to 10% of the total sowing area. Generally 6-8 kg of seed of fine varieties and 10-12 Kg of coarse varieties is sufficient for one acre of transplanting. To prepare the nursery seedbed, the surface needs to be level, free of weeds, and well drained. Low rates of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer can be applied to the nursery.
There are four main techniques for raising nursery in paddy. These are:
1) WET BED METHOD
2) DRY BED METHOD
3) DAPOG METHOD
4) NURSERY FOR MECHANICAL TRANSPLANTING
1. WET BED METHOD
The wet-bed nursery is mainly used in low land areas where there is enough water. The land is divided into beds and the soil is puddled. Pre-Germinated seeds are broadcasted. Adequate drainage should be provided for draining of excess water.
2. DRY BED METHOD
This type of nursery is prepared in upland or dry soil conditions. Seed beds of convenient dimensions (1.25m x 8m i.e. 10sqm) are prepared by raising the soil to a height of about 5-10 cm.
3. DAPOG METHOD
This method requires very little area and water management is the key. Banana leaves or polythene is spread on a flat and firm surface and ‘soil mix’ (1 part soil + 1part FYM) and Pre-Germinated seeds are sown @1Kg/ SqM. Water nursery twice a day for the first 5 days and cover with Banana leaves or straw. After 5days remove the cover and flood the nursery. Irrigate seed-bed to 1-2 cm depth after 6 days of sowing. The seedlings are ready for transplanting in 15 days.
4. NURSERY FOR MECHANICAL TRANSPLANTING
Unlike hand transplanting, mechanized transplanting requires techniques that are very different. Usually seedlings are grown in mats of sizes that are specified by the manufacturer as per the type of transplanter. In some cases seedlings are grown in larger mats and are later cut to the desired size.
IMPORTANT TIPS:
1) Always use certified seed.
2) Pre-soak seeds for 24 hours till they sprout and radical is 2-3mm long.
3) Please ensure proper seed treatment (Emisan 1gm/ Kg and Streptocycline 6gm per 30Kg of seed).
4) Add 250gm Urea and 100gm DAP for every 10SqM.
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