Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Region IV-A CALABARZON
Division of Rizal

FRANCISCO P. FELIX MEMORIAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Cainta, Rizal

Name: Subject Teacher:

Grade and Section: Adviser:

LEARNER’S PACKET
GRADE 10 TLE
AGRICULTURAL CROP PRODUCTION
SUPPORT CROP WORK
Quarter 3

1
 Module
3
Week
1
Lesson 1: Pulling and Transplanting of Seedling/ Direct Seeding

INTRODUCTION
Just like any other crop, raising rice seedlings needs extra care during planting and
transplanting. This lesson discusses the steps in pulling seedlings, the system of transplanting,
and direct seeding. You will these within twelve days.
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. Discuss the steps in pulling and bundling seedlings;
2. Pull and bundle seedlings appropriately;
3. Transplant seedlings following the recommended distance , depth, and rate of planting; and
4. State the advantages of direct seeding.

Task 1:
What are the proper ways of pulling seedlings?
Answer:
1.
2.
3.
4.

2
Pretest
Multiple Choice
Directions: Read the statement carefully and write only the letter of the correct answer on a
clean sheet of paper.
1. The random system of transplanting
a. provides enough space for growing plant.
b. makes weeding using rotary weeder difficult.
c. makes hand pulling of weeds difficult.
d. causes overcrowding of plants.
2. What is the average number of transplanted seedlings per hill?
a. 2-3 seedlings
b. 3-4 seedlings
c. 4-5 seedlings
d. 6-7 seedlings Transfer 107 Glossary of Terms
3. What should be considered in straight row system of transplanting rice?
a. Its variety, season, and fertility of the soil
b. The provision of enough space for photosynthesis
c. Its spacing of the plant for easy weeding
d. The harvesting of rice plants during the maturity period
4. What is the average rate of transplanting for hybrid seedlings per hill?
a. 1 – 2 b. 4 - 7 c. 3 – 6 d. 7 - 10
5. When is the right time to replant missing hills after transplanting?
a. 3 – 5 days after planting
b. 5 - 7 days after planting
c. 7 – 9 days after planting
d. 10 – 12 days after planting

3
Let us be informed:
Proper Way of Pulling Seedlings
1. Irrigate the seedbed overnight to a depth at least 3-5 centimeter to soften the soil and
facilitate pulling of seedlings
2. Hold the seedlings close to the base and gently pull them.
3. Another method is to use a scythe to cut through the soil half inch below the stem,
This method is faster, and avoids stress and damage to the stem while ensuring that
adequate roots of the seedlings are retained.
4. Bundle them in any convenient size for ease of handling.

Seedlings raised through dapog method are prepared following the steps below.
1. Cut the bed into convenient size of at least one square foot and roll each piece. Do not
prune the seedlings.
2. Roll the matted dapog seedlings.
3. Tie the rolled seedlings.

Pulling and Transplanting of Seedlings

Pulling of seedlings will be done one day before transplanting. According to the
CBLM year 3, early maturing rice varieties that can be harvested from 110 to 115 days
after

4
transplanting will be transplanted from 16 to18 days after sowing. However, late maturing
varieties will be transplanted from 20 to 25 days after sowing.

Proper Transplanting of Seedlings

Right after the final harrowing, level the field using a wooden plank attached to a
harrow. Then allow the mud to subside. With the aid of a wooden planting guide prepare
lines by pulling on the leveled field. These lines will serve as guides in transplanting at a
uniform p distance of planting. An example is 20 cm x 20 cm or any desired distance
depending on the variety. This is to allow the plant to attain its maximum tillering and it
also facilitates weed control later, using a rotary weeder.

Methods of Transplanting Seedlings

A. Straight row planting.
Seedlings are transplanted in straight rows where definite spacing is maintained
between plants. Straight row planting enhances the attainment of an optimum plant
population and it facilitates the application of fertilizer and weeding operations using a
rotary weeder.
Use guides or markers to attain straight rows. Hold the seedlings in between the thumb
and the first and second finger and insert these gently into the soil. Plant seedlings in spots
indicated by the guides or markers.
After planting a row, move backward to the next row and resume planting. Handle
seedlings carefully before transplanting to avoid injury. In case there is a delay in 102
transplanting, it is suggested to increase the number of seedlings per hill by one for each

5
 day that transplanting is delayed. This compensates the reduced tillering capacity once the
seedlings get older due to transplanting delay.
For inbred varieties of rice, transplant 2-3 seedlings per hill and 1-2 seedlings for the
hybrid varieties at a depth of 2-3 centimeters. Transplant early maturing varieties 16-20
days after sowing while medium maturing ones at 16-30 days after sowing.
If transplanting is delayed up to 30 days for early maturing and 35 days for medium
maturing varieties, increase the seedling rate to 5 – 8 seedlings per hill.
For highland rice culture, cold tolerant traditional varieties are transplanted 30 – 45
days at a distance of 15 cm x 20 cm with 2 – 3 seedlings per hill

B. Random transplanting
This method of transplanting has no specific distance in planting. However, planters
tend to plant too close or too far which sometimes adversely affect the 103 potential yield
of the variety and the use of rotary weeder. This method is faster but it requires use of more
seeds (66 to 68 kg/ha.). It is economical, however, because it does not entail high cost of
labor.
Seedlings raised in dapog method should be transplanted 4 - 7 seedlings per hill using
the straight row or random planting method. After planting, place extra seedlings along the
alleyways of the field to be used for replanting 3-5 days after transplanting.

Direct Seeding
This method could be done in irrigated and dry rainfed planting. Direct seeding in
puddled soil is recommended in areas where irrigation facilities are costly, scarce, and just rely
on rain.
For land preparation, follow the procedure in preparing irrigated field for transplanting.
Follow the procedure in pregerminating the seeds. Broadcast 80-100 kg/ha of pre-germinated
rice seeds in well-prepared and leveled paddies. A new technology has been introduced with
the use of a drum seeder. The drum seeder regulates the distance of planting and the number
of seeds per hill. For upland or rainfed areas, pre-germinated seeds are drilled in rows or in
furrows at the rate of 2-3 seeds/hill at 20-30 centimeters. Drain the field the following day to
facilitate uniform germination of seeds.
Direct seeding of pre-germinated seeds using the drum seeder saves seeds and
facilitates mechanical weeding. Drum seeder regulates plant distance with low rate of seeds at
50-100 kg per hectare.
6
 For rainfed rice planting, seeds are planted by means of mechanical seeder seen in the
figure above. Another method is by dibbling or drilling. • Dibbling. Seeds are dibbled in
straight rows at 15 cm x 15 cm to 25 cm x 25 cm. with 5 - 8 seeds per hill. • Drilling. Seeds
are planted in furrows made by plow with the same distance and rate of seeding as in dibbling.

Concepts:
• A day before transplanting, pull seedlings carefully to minimize seedling damage.
• Clean and bundle seedlings for ease of transporting.
• Random transplanting has no definite distance and alignment between plants while
straight row planting has uniform distance and spaces.
• Direct seeding can be done by broadcasting or with the use of a drum seeder or
mechanical seeder. It requires less labor in planting.

Task 2:
A.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical seeder over manual
transplanting method? Emphasize on the positive impact of farm mechanization in
boosting production.

7
(Note: For additional information about this, you can watch a video presentation of new
technologies in transplanting rice seedlings like the use of a transplanting machine)
Answer:
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGE
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5

B.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of direct seeding?
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGE
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5

Task 3:
Describe the two methods of transplanting seedlings.
Answer:

8
Task 4:
Modified TRUE or FALSE
Direction: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it is not. Underline the
word or statement that makes the statement incorrect.
Note: For TRUE answer will be 1 point and for FALSE answer will be 2 points.
1. If transplanting is delayed up to 30 days for early maturing varieties increase the
seedling rate to 4-7 seedlings per hill
2. Using scythe is another method in pulling up seedlings.
3. In dapog method, cut the bed into convenient size of at least two square foot and roll
each piece.
4. Pulling of seedling will be done two days before planting.
5. The early maturing rice varieties can be harvested from 110 to 115 days.
6. In straight row planting method, after planting a row move forward to the next row
and resume planting.
7. Random transplanting has no specific distance in planting.
8. Direct seeding could be done in irrigated and dry rainfed planting.
9. Drum seeder regulates plant distance with low rate of seed at 60-110 kg. per hectare.
10. Direct seeding requires less labor in planting.

Post-Test
Identification
Directions: Read the statement carefully; identify and choose your answer on the pool words
inside the box.
Drilling Direct Seeding 4-5 seedlings
2-3 seedlings Drum Seeder Random Transplanting
20-25 days Dibbling 110- 115 days 16-18 days
Straight Row 3-5 days 30-45 days 30-35 days

1. It can be done by broadcasting or with the use of a drum seeder or mechanical seeder.

9
 2. This method of transplanting has no definite distance in planting.
3. In rainfed rice planting, seeds are planted in furrows made by plow with same
distance.
4. How many days does late maturing varieties rice can be transplanted after sowing?
5. This method of planting has uniform distance and space.
6. For inbred varieties of rice, how much seedling per hill will be transplanted?
7. A new technology that regulates the distance of planting and the number of seeds per
hill.
8. Seeds are dibbled in straight rows at 15 cm x 15 cm to 25 cm x 25 cm.
9. How many days does early maturing rice varieties can be harvested after
transplanting?
10. In highland rice culture, how many days does the traditional varieties can be
transplanted?

How and when do you pull seedling for transplanting?

Answer:

10
 Module
3
Week
2-3
Lesson 2: Nutrient Management

INTRODUCTION
This lesson will equip you with the knowledge on the macro and micro elements of the
soil and their functions, the kinds of fertilizer materials, and amount of fertilizer to apply,
methods of applying fertilizer, and the time to apply it. You will learn these within thirteen
days.

Task 1: Word Search

Directions: Find the hidden words in the puzzle.
A C X B A B L S D R
T N U R I A T A E B
O R C I M S A Z T O
P Q I E U A I S A T
D F N C B L N D G I
R O A Q I T M U I L
E L G T D I X B R L
S O R C A M Y A R E
S E O T J L T P I R
F O L I A R O R E S

Pretest
Multiple Choice
Directions: Read the statement carefully and write only the letter of the correct answer on a
clean sheet of paper.
1. A fertilizer that comes from decomposed plant and animal residues.

11
 a. Macro b. Organic c. Micro d. Inorganic
2. Substances or nutrients needed by plants in small quantities
a. Inorganic b. Macro c. Organic d. Micro
3. Stimulates growth of the leaves and stem
a. Phosphorous b. Potassium c. Nitrogen d. Magnesium
4. These are commercial fertilizers that are concentrated form of plan food which maybe
complete or incomplete.
a. Macro b. Organic c. Micro d. Inorganic
5. An organic material consisting of very fine thoroughly decomposed mixture of
manure, plant parts, and other organic matter.
a. Compost b. Green Manures c. Animal Manure d. Single fertilizer

Let us be informed:
Proper application of fertilizer will give you more returns from your rice crop at less
cost. For maximum returns, fertilizer should be applied at the right amount, place, and at the
time the crop needs it. Indiscriminate application of fertilizer will result in plant overgrowth
which will make the plant susceptible to pests and diseases causing it to be less productive.
The Macro and Micro Elements of the Soil and their Functions
According to the CBLM Year 3 there are 10 essential plant foods needed for the
development of any crop. However, only three are usually taken from the soil, air and water in
sufficient amount. These are the macro elements: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5) and
potassium (K2O) or NPK. The micro elements are sulfur, zinc, molybdenum, copper, boron,
manganese, and magnesium.
The functions of the macro elements, signs and symptoms of deficiency, and sources are
identified below:
1. Nitrogen (N)
Functions:
• Stimulates growth of the leaves and stems
• It gives dark green color to plant Kno w 111
Deficiency symptoms:
• Pale yellow in color

12
 • Lower leaves will die early
• Short and stunted plant Excess of nitrogen causes the plant to lodge.
Sources of Nitrogen
1. Ammonium sulfate (21 – 0 – 0)
2. Ammonium phosphate (16 – 20 – 0)
3. Urea (46 – 0 – 0)
4. Organic fertilizer 5. Liquid fertilizer
2. Phosphorous (P )
Functions:
1. Encourages root growth
2. Hastens maturity of the plant
3. Helps in the production of seeds
Deficiency symptoms:
• Not enough tillers per hill
Sources:
1. Superphosphate (0-20-0)
2. Ammonium phosphate(16-20-0)
3. Triphosphate(0-45-0)
4. Complete fertilizer (14-14-14)
5. Liquid fertilizer
6. Organic fertilizer

3. Potassium (K)
Functions:
1. Increases the vigor of the plant.
2. Plant becomes more resistant to disease.
3. Stalks become stronger.
4. Grains become bigger and plump.
Deficiency symptoms:
• Plant growth, root development, and seed development are usually reduced.
Sources:
1.Muriate of potash (0-0-60)
2.Complete fertilizer (14 – 14 – 14)

13
Proper Storing of Fertilizers
Although fertilizers are not highly poisonous chemicals, always keep them out of reach
of children and away from the supply of foods. Store fertilizers in a dry and cool place. They
should be protected from moist and rain.

Kinds of Fertilizer
There are two kinds of fertilizers: Organic and Inorganic.
1. Organic fertilizer refers to the fertilizer that comes from decayed plant and animal residues
such as:
a. Animal manure.
Animal manures are especially valuable in crop production. In addition as plant
food, they supply large amounts of organic matter to the soil. The composition depends
chiefly on the kind of manure and the condition of their storage. Well-decomposed manure
is better than fresh. These are main components in composting and vermicomposting.
b. Green manures
These are green growing plants that are plowed under. Leguminous plants are
mainly used for this purpose due to their capacity to produce nutrients in their root
nodules.
c. Compost
An organic material consisting of very fine, thoroughly decomposed mixture of
manure, plant parts, and other organic matter. It contains mineral elements needed for
plant growth. It is prepared by piling up animal manure, soil, crop residues, lime or
wood ashes.

2. Inorganic Fertilizer.
These are the commercial fertilizers. They are concentrated form of plant food which
maybe complete or incomplete. A complete fertilizer contains all the three macro elements
(NPK). An incomplete fertilizer contains only one or two of these elements – N, P or K.

Inorganic fertilizers are classified according to the number of fertilizer elements

present.
a. Single element fertilizers.
These contain only one element.

14
 Examples: Ammonium sulphate(21-0-0) Urea (46-0-0) Ordinary
superphosphate (20-0-0) Muriate of potash (0-0-60)
b. Incomplete fertilizers.
These fertilizers contain only two fertilizer elements.
Examples: 114 Mono-ammonium phosphate (21-53-0)(18-46-0) and (16-20-0)
(11-18-0)
c. Complete Fertilizers.
These contain all three major elements, N,P,K in percentages indicated respectively by
the three numerals .
Examples: 12-12-12, 14-14-14, 12-24-12, 10-25-25, 5-10- 16

WHEN TO APPLY FERTILIZER

1. Basal Application.
Right before the last harrowing, one or two days before transplanting, drain all water
from the field and apply 1/2 of the recommended nitrogen (N), all the phosphorus (P) and
potassium (K) depending on the variety used and the age of seedlings when transplanted. It
will be best to use a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers in the basal application
using 10 bags of organic fertilizer per hectare together with the ½ recommended rate of
inorganic fertilizer.
2. Top dress.
Timely application of top dress fertilizer is very important to supply the needed
nutrients for healthy and long panicle. Apply or broadcast the remaining nitrogen 5 – 7 days
before panicle initiation or 70 – 72 days before maturity.
3. Foliar Application.
Different brands of foliar fertilizer have different composition but the method and
timing of application are the same. Start application 45 days after transplanting at 10 – 14 days
interval. Refer to the table below for the direction.

Proper Timing of Top Dressing

In Rice Sufficient nutrients from tillering to early panicle initiation and flowering
stages will result to good crop growth, good panicle development, and attainment of the yield
potential of a given variety.

15
Correct Amount of Fertilizer to be Applied
In computing the right amount of fertilizers to be applied in a given area, make use of
the result of soil analysis and the recommended rate of application of fertilizers. It requires the
ability to compute for the fertilizer need in a given crop per unit area. One way of expressing
fertilizer rate is by kilogram nitrogen (N) phosphoric acid (P2O5) and kilogram soluble
potassium (K2O) per hectare. Another way is by bags of the fertilizer material per hectare. For
farmers it is advisable to use the latter but for extension men, the former is used to facilitate
communication. The amount of fertilizer to be applied per hectare to supply a certain amount
of plant nutrient depends on the recommended rate 117 and composition of the fertilizer
material to be used.

• Oversupply of nutrients result to increased susceptibility of the crop to pests, lodging, etc.
• Undersupply and untimely application slow down the growth of seedlings, lower number of
tillers, and lower grain weight.
• The macro elements are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK).
• The two kinds of fertilizers are the organic and inorganic.
• The methods of applying fertilizers are basal, top dress, and foliar .
• Fertilizer computation formulas:

16
Task 2:
Directions: Give the description of each macro elements by completing the table below.
MACRO ELEMENTS FUNCTIONS DEFICIENCY SOURCE

Nitrogen (N)

Phosphorous (P)

Potassium

Task 3:
Directions: Classify what kind of fertilizer are the following. Write O if it is an organic
fertilizer and IO for inorganic fertilizer.
1. Urea
2. Compost
3. Ammonium
4. Leguminous plants
5. Carabao manure
6. Single element fertilizer

17
 7. Swine manure
8. Incomplete fertilizers
9. Green manure
10. Mono- ammonium phosphate
Task 4:
Directions: Write AGREE if the statement is correct and DISAGREE if the statement is
wrong. Write your answers on a clean sheet of paper.
_______________1. Oversupply of nutrients result to increased susceptibility of the crops to
pests.
_______________2. Basal application is applied after the last harrowing.
_______________3. Soil analysis is not the basis in determining the right amount of fertilizers
to be applied.
_______________4. The Municipality Agricultural Officer could be tapped to provide
assistance in case the soil intended for rice production has not been analyzed.
_______________5. There are 15 essential plant foods needed for the development of any crop.
_______________6. Potassium (K) decreases the vigor of the plant.
_______________7. Store fertilizer in a dry and cool place.
_______________8. Well decomposed manure is better than fresh.
_______________9. Incomplete fertilizers contain three elements.
_______________10. Foliar application applied in 45 days after transplanting at 10-14 days
interval.

Task 5:
How does fertilizer store properly?
Answer:

18
Task 6:
Briefly discuss the methods of applying fertilizer.

Answer:

Post Test
Multiple Choice
Directions: Read the statement carefully and write only the letter of the correct answer on a
clean sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following is not belong to the group?
a. Nitrogen b. Sulfur c. Potassium d. Phosphorous
2. It gives dark green color of plant
a. Potassium b. Magnesium c. Nitrogen d. Zinc
3. Which of the following is the deficiency symptoms of Potassium (K)?
a. Not enough tillers per hill
b. Plant growth and root development are usually reduced.
c. Lower leaves will die early
d. Short and stunted plant
4. Which of the following does not belong in micro elements?
a. Copper b. Magnesium c. Zinc d. Potassium
5. ____________is the basis in determining the right amount of fertilizer to be applied.
a. site selection c. nutrient management
b. soil analysis d. climate analysis
6. Which of the following is not a function of Phosphorous (P)?
a. Plant becomes more resistant to disease
b. Helps in production of seeds
c. Encourage root growth
d. Hastens maturity of the plant
19
 6. A fertilizer that comes from decomposed plant and animal residues.
a. Macro b. Organic c. Micro d. Inorganic
7. Substances or nutrients needed by plants in small quantities
a. Inorganic b. Macro c. Organic d. Micro
8. Stimulates growth of the leaves and stem
a. Phosphorous b. Potassium c. Nitrogen d. Magnesium

9. These are commercial fertilizers that are concentrated form of plan food which maybe
complete or incomplete.
a. Macro b. Organic c. Micro d. Inorganic
10. An organic material consisting of very fine thoroughly decomposed mixture of
manure, plant parts, and other organic matter.
a. Compost b. Green Manures c. Animal Manure d. Single fertilizer
11. What is the moisture percentage of decomposed carabao manure?
a. 71.4 % b. 71.0 % c. 67.8 % d. 67.0%
12. What kind of inorganic fertilizer composed of two fertilizer elements?
a. Complete fertilizer
b. Incomplete fertilizer
c. Single fertilizer
d. All of the above
13. How many days does top dress application broadcast the remaining nitrogen?
a. 5-7 b. 6-7 c. 10- 12 d. 13-15
14. How many bags of organic fertilizer used in basal application of fertilizer?
a. 5 bags b. 10 bags c. 15 bags d. 20 bags
15. Which of the following is an example of complete fertilizer?
a. 16-20-0 b. 20-0-0 c. 5-10-16 d. None of the above

What are the benefits if we apply the fertilizer properly?

Answer:

20
 Module
2
Week
4

Lesson 3: Water Management

INTRODUCTION

Water management is very essential in rice production. This lesson presents the types
of irrigation system, schedule of irrigation, water use and disposal and the six stages of rice
growth when the field is to be drained. You will learn these in thirteen days.

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

1. determine the right depth of water at a certain stage of plant growth
2. irrigate and drain the field appropriately
3. choose the appropriate method of irrigating the field; and
4. consider the importance of water in the management of lowland rice production.

Task 1:
How does water management is essential in rice production?
Answer:

Pre-Test

Multiple Choice
Directions: Read the statement carefully and write only the letter of the correct answer on a
clean sheet of paper.
1. When there is abundant water supply, how many days does the field must be kept
submerged?

21
 a. 2-5 days b. 1-5 days c. 2-5 days d. 3-5 days
2. In this method, a controllable gate is constructed along the river or stream.
a. Pumping type c. Reservoir type
b. Run-off-the river type d. Dams
3. This method makes use of pump powered by an engine installed to draw water from
underground or open source.
a. Pumping type c. Reservoir type
b. Run-off-the river type d. Dams
4. What season does crops need less water?
a. Wet b. Dry c. Spring d. All the above
5. It is the loss of water from the leaves and affected by the weather condition.
a. Evaporation b. Seepage c. Percolation d. Transpiration

Let us be Informed:
Due to climate change, the supply of water is becoming scarce nowadays. The extreme
changes of weather conditions in the different regions of the country caused a dramatic impact
in rice production. Places with extreme rainfall experience flooding while those with scarce
rainfall face long drought. Both situations cause soil degradation, resulting in loss of
agricultural production.
Water Management
For efficient water management in irrigated rice production, take note of the following
desirable recommended water depth at different stages of growth:
a) After transplanting, irrigate the puddied field with a depth of 2 - 3 centimeters.
b) Maintain this water depth from 3–5 D A T (Days After Transplanting), then gradually
increase the level up to 5 cm as the crop grows. Avoid deep flooding to minimize
percolation and seepage. Keep farm ditches well-shaped and free of weeds to allow
quick flow of irrigation water with minimum loss.
c) At tillering stage, keep water depth at 2 - 3 centimeters.
d) Maintain the water depth at 3–5 cm during panicle initiation stage.
e) At ripening stage, maintain deep inflow of water 20 days after flowering then drain the
field 2 – 3 weeks before harvesting.

22
 For rainfed areas construct bigger and higher dikes to impound more water. It should
be about 25 – 30 cm high to free it from rats, holes and breaks. Start impounding water during
the early stage of growthgradually increasing from 5 cm. to a maximum of 15 cm as the crop
becomes taller.
When there is abundant water supply, the field must be kept submerged for 3-5 days
after transplanting. A depth of 2-3 cm is enough to get higher yield. But a depth of 5-10 cm
helps control weeds. However, there are periods when the rice field has to be drained for
a specific purpose and water efficiency. These are:
1. during transplanting, for ease and more accurate distance and spacing of planting
2. during early stage of growth, to attain maximum tillering and to prevent late tillers to
come out for a plant growth and development
3. during weeding, for easier control of weeds using a mechanical weeder
4. fertilizer application, for the plants to be able to absorb the maximum nutrients from
the applied fertilizers
5. maximum tillering stage, to attain uniform growth, and
6. two weeks before harvesting, to facilitate grain development and maturity and for ease
of harvesting and transporting.

Types of Irrigation System

a. Reservoir type.
A large dam or a small water impounding dam is constructed across a stream of river
where water is impounded for irrigation and for domestic use. The flow of irrigation water is
dependent on the selection of the methods of water distribution to meet the water needs of the
service area. The rotation method is usually employed to ensure even distribution of available
water supply and to ensure that a wider area will be supplied with irrigation water.
b. The run-off-the-river type.
In this method a controllable gate is constructed along the river or stream . When water
outlet is closed, water level rise which could be diverted to the canals and laterals. The quantity
of water entering the main canal is regulated at the intake gate. The available water supply is
dependent on the elevation at the source. As a general rule, the supply is proportionate to the
height of the source and volume flowing from the source. During periods of high flow when

23
available supply becomes abundant, the continuous method is usually practiced. When the
supply is scarce, the rotational method is employed.

c. Pumping type.
This method makes use of a pump powered by an engine installed to draw water from
underground or open sources like rivers and lakes. The available water supply is dependent
upon the capacity of the pumps and the water level. Energy is used to run the system, hence,
higher operation expenses are incurred. When using this type, never allow the rice paddies to
dry and have cracks, which will cause water seepage making irrigation more expensive.

Whatever type of irrigation is used, cooperation among farmers is to be practiced at all

times in order to implement the schedule of irrigation calendar for an efficient and effective
rotation method

Efficient Water Use and Disposal

To determine the right amount of water to use, consider the following:

1. Rice variety.
You may need more water for the late maturing varieties than early maturing varieties.
2. Season.
Wet season crops need less water than dry season crops.

3. Types of soil.
Clay or clay loam soil needs less water than light soil such as sand.
4. Presence of weeds.
Flooding the field always prevent the growth of weeds.

Water may be lost through the following processes:

1. Evaporation.
It is the direct loss of water from the water surface or moist soil surface. The
amount of water that evaporates is influenced by high intensity of sunlight, strong and
dry wind, and high temperature. Second crop rice production which is on time with the
summer season needs more water to sustain growth and yield.
2. Transpiration.
24
 It is the loss of water from the leaves. Transpiration is affected by the weather
condition. More water will be lost during dry season which explains the need of
constant irrigation.
3. Seepage.
Water moves sideways within the soil. It may pass through the dike or below
the ground. This can be minimized if the dikes and levees are well-maintained.
4. Percolation.
It is the downward flow of water. Its occurrence is high if the soil is sandy, deep,
and has a deep water table. Well-puddled rice paddies minimize percolation and tend
to hold water efficiently.

• The three systems of irrigation are:

1. reservoir type
2. run – off – the river or free flowing
3. pumping type
• The methods of water distribution are:
1. rotational
2. continuous method
• The factors to consider in determining the right amount of irrigation water to use
are:
1. rice variety
2. season
3. type of soil
4. presence of weeds
• The six stages of rice growth when the rice field has to be drained:
1. during transplanting
2. early stage of growth
3. weeding
4. fertilizer application

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 5. maximum tillering stage
6. two weeks before harvesting

• Adequate water supply is needed to:

a) facilitate land preparation especially leveling;
b) ensure good crop establishment with faster root development;
c) promote seedling vigor and normal crop growth and development with minimal
lodging; and
d) facilitate better nutrient uptake with the right amount and timing of water.

• Efficient water management means

a) Achieve 3-5 cm water depth every irrigation time from early tillering until 1-2 weeks
before crop maturity or harvest.
b) A water depth of about 3-5 cm will be maintained from 10 DAT or 10-15 DAS to near
crop maturity will ensure water status for optimum crop growth and yield. However,
under field conditions, irrigation water supply may be insufficient to maintain a flooded
soil condition or a certain surface water depth. While a certain flood water depth can
control weeds, saturated soil condition at an early crop growth stage can reduce snail
mobility and damage.
• Stop irrigation one week before harvesting for medium textured soil and 2 weeks
before harvesting for fine textured soil.

This ensures sufficient moisture to complete grain filling and facilitates harvest
operations. This also helps ensure better grain appearance, i.e., grains will not be splashed
with mud and water.

• DAT – days after transplanting

• Tillering stage – starts with the development and appearance of the first shoot/tiller
and ends when the plant stops producing tillers
• Panicle initiation – beginning of the reproductive phase characterized by the formation
of the panicle within the stalks
• Milk stage – stage of rice growth when the content of the grain becomes milky
Irrigation – the application of water needed by the plant by means of any method

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 • Drainage –a shallow canal to remove excess water from the field when not needed

Task 2:
❖ What are the desirables recommended water depth at different stages of growth
of crops?
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Task 3:
❖ Identify the six stages of rice growth when the field is to be drained and give the
importance of doing it.
Answer:

Task 4:
❖ Differentiate the types of irrigation system.
Answer:

Task 5:
❖ What are the methods of water distribution? (Discuss briefly)
Answer:

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Task 6:
❖ How does irrigation system play a vital role in rice production?
Answer:

Post Test

Identification
Directions: Read the statement carefully; identify and choose your answer on the pool words
inside the box.
Transpiration 2-3 cm Run-off-the river type Continuous
Drainage Rotational Panicle Initiation 3-5 cm
Evaporation Milk Stage Percolation Tillering Stage
Irrigation Reservoir type See Page

1. A large dam or a small water impounding dam is constructed across a stream of river
where water is impounded for irrigation and for domestic use.
2. The application of water needed by the plant by means of any method.
3. Beginning of the reproductive phase characterized by the formation of the panicle
within the stalks.
4. It is the direct loss of water from the water surface or moist soil surface.
5. It is the downward flow of water.
6. Water moves sideways within the soil
7. It is the stage of rice growth when the content of grains becomes milky.
8. Starts with the development and appearance of the first shoot/tiller.
9. A shallow canal to remove excess water from the field when not needed.
10. What is the method used during the periods of high flow?
11. When the supply of water is scarce this method is employed.

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12. Maintain the water depth at ________ cm during panicle initiation stage.
13. What is the water depth at tillering stage.
14. In this method a controllable gate is constructed along the river or stream.
15. It is the loss of water from leaves.

❖ What is the most important factor in increasing the production of our staple food?
Answer:

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