DSR

DSR(Direct Seeded Rice)

Rice can be directly seeded either through dry or wet (peregrinated) seeding. Dry seeding
of rice can be done by drilling the seed into a fine seedbed at a depth of 2-3 centimeters.
Wet seeding requires leveled fields to be harrowed and then flooded (Puddling). The field
is left for 12-24 hours after Puddling, then germinated seeds (48-72 hours) are sown using
a drum seeder. Seed can be broadcast for either dry or wet seeding,

Land preparation

• Plow the fields during summer to control emerging weeds
• Leveling the fields well facilitates uniform irrigation and better germination

Seed depth and soil moisture

• The optimum depth of seed:2-3 cm. The seed should be covered by soil for proper
  germination and to avoid bird damage.
• In lowlands and finer textured soils, planking may not be necessary after seeding.
• The soil moisture content at seeding should be sufficient for proper germination
• Surface mulch: helps retain soil moisture longer to improve emergence and reduce weed menace

Seed rate and cultivars for DSR

• Seed rate:20 to 25 kg/ha, in general
• Fine-grain and Basmati cultivars require much less seed early to medium short-duration cultivars having early vigor

Seeding time

• Drill the dry seed of normal rice at the start of the monsoon i.e. when farmers put seed into a nursery bed
• May 3rd week to June 2nd week

Benefits of DSR

• Avoids repeated puddling, preventing soil degradation and plow-pan formation
• Facilitates timely establishment of rice and succeeding crops as the crop matures 10-15 days earlier
• Saves water by 35-40%, reduces production cost by Rs 3000/ha, and increases yields by 10%
• Saves energy: labor, fuel, and seed Solves labor scarcity problem and reduces the drudgery of labors