Management of irrigation water in direct seeded-rice (Oryza sativa L.): A Review

Abstract

In the north-western Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), puddled transplanted rice is predominantly cultivated. Generally, about 40% of all irrigation water goes to paddy cultivation in the region. To avoid this we need to focus on such practice which can overcome the use of irrigation water. Researchers have developed various establishment methods of rice which could be implement in the field viz. direct seeding of rice, transplanting, SRI (System of rice intensification) etc. Direct seeding is the most promising approach for saving both water and labour. Without the compromise of yield direct seeding rice needs less water as compared to continuous submergence methods of rice establishment. Direct seeding with reduced tillage is an efficient resource conservation technology that holds great promise in IGP which can save water up to 25% as compared to other establishment methods. Depending upon the amount and distribution of rains as well as soil moisture of the land, the DSR may be subjected to varying degree of moisture stress at different growth stages. Various stress may be experienced at different growth and vegetative stages of rice may lead to decrease in plant height, panicle number, panicle length, test weight, number of tillers, total dry matter where as in non-puddled conditions hard pan will not form at 15-20 cm soil layer which leads to restrict the root growth. Water saving of 9-57% was recorded by adopting direct seeding rice culture.