Dear Peter, Declining water ...

Dear Peter,

Declining water is a great concern in production of rice, because rice is more sensitive to water deficiency which restricts normal rice growth resulting in enormous economic loss. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of hydro gel in different sowing techniques of aerobic rice viz. flat, ridge, and bed sowing. Observations on soil moisture percentage before every irrigation, yield, and yield components of rice were recorded. Application of hydro gel improved soil moisture contents in all the three sowing techniques as compared to soil without hydro gel. More soil moisture contents met the crop water needs and increased the number of germinated seeds. As a consequence of more emergence and better stand establishment, the yield components were also improved increasing the yield of rice in hydro gel amended soil in all sowing techniques. However, sowing of rice on beds with hydro gel amendment was found the most effective; it not only improved the performance of aerobic rice but also enhanced growth and yield of aerobic rice more than other sowing techniques.

Hydro-gel has capacity to absorb a minimum of 350 times its weight of pure water at 50 degree Celsius, its use will help farmer in getting high productivity by using much less quantity of water. Agriculture scientists claim that its use will also improve physical properties of soil such as porosity, aggregate stability and hydraulic conductivity.

"The scientists had successfully demonstrated the potential of resolving the problem of poor water use efficiency in agricultural crops. Besides improved nutrient use efficiency, an array of other benefits has also been achieved by using Hydro gel",

Regards,

Prem Baboo

Pr