1 Pooled Rice Seedling Irrigation Manufacturers in 2024

What Is Pooled Rice Seedling Irrigation?

Pooled rice seedling irrigation is a method of raising seedlings in paddy rice cultivation.

Typically, a simple pooled rice seedling irrigation system is constructed inside a plastic greenhouse.

The primary feature of pooled rice seedling irrigation is that it simplifies the work involved in the seedling growing process.

Uses of Pooled Rice Seedling Irrigation

Pooled rice seedling irrigation is used to ensure the stable growth of seedlings prior to rice planting.

This method does not require watering nozzles like conventional irrigation systems, making it popular among farmers seeking to reduce labor for irrigation and temperature control, as well as to minimize the use of agricultural chemicals.

Recently, open-air pooled rice seedling irrigation systems have also gained popularity.

Features of Pooled Rice Seedling Irrigation

Advantages

Pooled rice seedling irrigation offers several advantages.

Reduced Workload

In this system, water is added when the pool depletes. This is more labor-efficient compared to using sprinkler nozzles for irrigation.

Another advantage is the ease of adding fertilizer by pouring a solution directly into the pool, reducing physical strain.

Disease-Resistant Seedlings

Growing seedlings in a pool inhibits pathogen growth, enhancing their resistance to mold and bacterial diseases after planting.

Enhanced Rooting and Growth

Pooled rice seedling irrigation promotes better rooting and taller grass compared to flatbed seedling irrigation.

Increased Planting Efficiency

This method results in uniform seedling size due to even irrigation, leading to more efficient rice planting.

Cost Reduction

Pooled rice seedling irrigation halves the amount of bedding soil needed compared to field seedling irrigation, thus reducing costs.

Disadvantages

However, there are some disadvantages.

Soil Leveling Challenges

Leveling the seedlings is crucial in this system. New or inexperienced farmers may find this task cumbersome.

Minimizing height differences is essential to protect the seedlings from over-drying and submersion, so it's important to compact the soil thoroughly.

Water Leakage Prevention

This system requires careful tarping to prevent water leakage.

Importance of Temperature Control

If the greenhouse is not properly ventilated, the water can keep the seedlings warm at night, leading to excessive growth or weakness.

How to Set Up Pooled Rice Seedling Irrigation

Generally, pooled rice seedling irrigation uses plastic greenhouses. The setup process involves:

1. Leveling the floor.
2. Building a frame for the seedlings.
3. Covering with waterproof sheets.

Leveling the Floor

Level the floor by removing stones and hollows for even water distribution. It's useful to use a level-checking tool.

Building the Frame

Construct a frame to contain the water, with a depth of about 5 to 7 cm, using either a 10 cm wide wooden board or a commercial plastic frame. Include a water butt for drainage.

Water Barrier Sheet Installation

Use an impervious sheet, 50 to 80 cm larger than the frame, to retain water. Repair any holes with repair tape.

Choose sheets designed for pooled rice seedling irrigation, which are slightly thicker and more durable than regular blue sheets.

Other Considerations for Pooled Rice Seedling Irrigation

When using pooled rice seedling irrigation, consider the following.

Floor Leveling

Use a level-checking tool or a laser leveler to minimize floor height differences. Compacting the soil until it leaves no footprints helps maintain the level.

Preventing Vinyl Sheet Tears

Since plastic sheets can tear easily, be cautious when moving seedling boxes and consider using styrofoam to avoid damage.

Disease Control

While this method is resistant to disease, closely monitor the seedlings early on to prevent widespread issues.

Seedling Transportation

Drain water from seedling boxes a few days before transportation to lighten their weight. Tilting the boxes helps drain the water and eases transportation.