Rice fertilization methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of applying fertilizer and a fertilizer composition in rice cultivation, and aims to provide a technology that maintains yield and taste while reducing the amount of fertilizer used. [Solution] The fertilizer application method of the present invention is characterized by the use of fertilizer at the time of rice planting, but the effect is not immediately apparent or is weak. As a result, even with one-third of the conventional amount of fertilizer used, it promotes the "root growth effect," in which rice roots extend in search of nutrients in the soil, thereby increasing the efficiency of fertilizer absorption. This allows for the maintenance of yield and taste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fertilizer application method and a fertilizer composition in rice cultivation, and particularly to a technology that promotes root development, makes it possible to maintain yield and eating quality while reducing the amount of fertilizer used.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional rice cultivation, a method of applying a large amount of fertilizer in the early and late stages is common.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The above prior art document describes that in a fertilization method for paddy rice, a fast-acting fertilizer that exerts its fertilizer effect from the time of fertilization and a slow-acting fertilizer that exerts its fertilizer effect a while after fertilization are applied simultaneously before transplanting paddy rice seedlings. However, the recent surge in fertilizer prices has increased the burden on agricultural management. In addition, since excessive fertilizer application also leads to an increase in environmental load, reduction of fertilizer usage is required from the perspective of sustainable agriculture. However, it is generally considered that a decrease in fertilizer application rate inevitably leads to a decrease in yield, and the development of an efficient fertilizer application method has been an issue.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention relates to a method of fertilizing rice plants, characterized in that fertilizer is applied during the mid-stage of rice cultivation, from three weeks to one month after transplanting. Furthermore, the fertilizer used is characterized in that it is a fertilizer with no initial fertilizing effect, mainly composed of ureaform. Moreover, the fertilizer is applied at a depth greater than 3 cm around the rice seedlings and 3 cm deeper. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The inventors of this invention discovered a phenomenon (hereinafter referred to as the "root growth effect") in which, when fertilizer is applied in the early stages of rice planting but does not exert its effect or has little effect, the rice roots spontaneously extend in search of nutrients in the soil, increasing root mass. By utilizing this effect, it has been confirmed that yield and taste can be maintained even with one-third of the conventional amount of fertilizer applied. Unlike conventional methods, the fertilizer application method of the present invention is characterized by the fertilizer becoming effective in the middle of the period after rice planting, making it possible to maintain rice growth with the minimum necessary fertilizer while promoting root development. Furthermore, the fertilizer composition of the present invention contains components that have this long-lasting effect, thereby maximizing the effect of promoting root growth and improving growth. As described above, the fertilizer application method and fertilizer composition of the present invention are groundbreaking technologies that contribute to improving the productivity of rice cultivation and reducing the environmental burden. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The fertilizer application method of the present invention includes the following procedure. 1. Fertilizer is applied at the time of rice planting, but the effect is not immediate or is minimal. This promotes the "root-grown effect," in which rice plants spontaneously extend their roots in search of fertilizer and efficiently absorb nutrients from the soil. 2. Do not apply fertilizer during the mid-season after rice planting. Even without applying fertilizer after promoting root development, the rice plants can maintain their growth with just a small amount of fertilizer applied at the time of transplanting. 3. Use of fertilizer composition By using fertilizers with long-lasting effects, root development is promoted, growth is improved, yield is maintained, and taste is enhanced. The method and fertilizer composition of the present invention make it possible to reduce fertilizer usage to one-third of conventional levels while maintaining the same yield and taste as conventional methods. [Examples] A field fertilized with 6 kg of standard nitrogen fertilizer was designated as the test plot, and a field fertilized with 2 kg of long-acting nitrogen fertilizer was designated as the control plot. When the rice plants were removed one month after transplanting, the enhanced root growth was confirmed in the test plot. The roots were 1.4 times thicker, 2.8 times longer, and their dry weight was 1.5 times higher, demonstrating that root growth could be reliably increased. The roots were 1.4 times thicker, 2.8 times longer, and their dry weight was 1.5 times higher, indicating that root growth could be reliably increased by reducing the initial fertilizer. A yield survey showed that the test plot yielded 546 kg and the control plot yielded 566 kg, showing almost no difference. As a result, it was observed that when rice plants lack fertilizer, they extend their roots in search of nutrients, thus promoting root growth. Furthermore, a larger number of roots means that sufficient growth can be achieved even with less fertilizer. Furthermore, while fertilizer is usually applied 3 cm around the seedlings and 3 cm deep, applying fertilizer 10 cm or more deeper than usual results in a period of no fertilizer until the roots reach the fertilizer. As a result, it was found that root growth is promoted as the roots seek the fertilizer. This makes it possible to grow rice with less fertilizer, and the effects of this method are unprecedented.

[0008] In a test field, the growth conditions when the method of the present invention was applied and the new fertilizer (fertilizer composition of the present invention) was used were compared with those of a conventional fertilization method. • Test conditions Comparison: Conventional fertilization methods (early and late stages) with single-application fertilizers Method of the present invention: Applying fertilizer at the time of rice planting does not produce any fertilizer effect, or applying a new fertilizer that produces a fertilizer effect in small amounts → Slow-release fertilizer with ureaform as the main component. • Test results Root weight and length: Rice roots grown using the method of the present invention are approximately 30% longer and heavier compared to those grown using conventional methods. Yield: Equivalent to conventional methods. Taste value: Equivalent to or improved compared to conventional methods. This confirms that the fertilization method and fertilizer composition of the present invention, which utilize the "root-building effect," achieve both a reduction in fertilizer usage and maintenance of plant growth. [Industrial applicability]

[0009] The fertilization method according to the present invention can be applied not only to rice cultivation but also to fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Claims

1. A method of applying fertilizer in rice cultivation, characterized by applying fertilizer during the mid-stage of rice cultivation, which is from three weeks to one month after rice planting.

2. The method for fertilizing paddy rice according to claim 1, characterized in that the fertilizer used is a fertilizer that does not have an initial fertilizing effect.

3. The method for fertilizing rice according to claim 2, characterized in that the fertilizer is a slow-release fertilizer mainly composed of ureaform.

4. The method for fertilizing paddy rice according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fertilizer is applied at a depth greater than 3 cm around the rice seedlings and 3 cm below the seedlings.