Methods of Raising Rice Seedlings

Dry Bed Method

      This method is practiced in areas where water is not sufficient to grow seedlings in wet nurseries. Plough the field three to four times till the soil is thoroughly pulverized. Prepare beds of the same size as in wet nurseries but 15 centimeters high with channels (30 centimeter wide) between them. Sow the seed in rows 10 centimeter apart in dry or moist condition of soil. Use the same seed rate and fertilizer as in wet nurseries. The sown seeds should be taken for water management in these beds. Allow the water to run in channels first and then raise the level of water slowly to saturate the soil of beds. Do not flood water in beds. Keep the seed bed saturated with water althrough. Maintain a thin film of water if possible after 5 days of sowing. Follow all the operations as described for wet nurseries.