Regenerative multiple cropping method for rice

The regenerative multiple cropping method for rice, utilizing seedling raising, shallow water plowing, and ridge formation with straw mulch and VA mycorrhizal fungi, addresses the limitations of harvest frequency and chemical use in rice cultivation, achieving significant yield enhancements.

JP7790780B1Active Publication Date: 2025-12-23藤田 健夫
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024572293
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-04
Publication Date
2025-12-23
Estimated Expiration
2044-10-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Rice cultivation in subtropical, tropical, and temperate regions is limited by the number of harvests per year and the high cost and use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, necessitating a method to increase harvests while reducing chemical inputs.

Method used

A regenerative multiple cropping method involving seedling raising, shallow water plowing, ridge formation through furrowing, and strategic harvesting with straw mulch and VA mycorrhizal fungi application to enhance soil fertility and water retention, allowing for three or more crops per year.

Benefits of technology

This method increases harvest frequency and yield while minimizing chemical fertilizer and pesticide use, achieving up to 200-252% annual yield increases in tropical and subtropical regions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Provided is a regenerative multiple cropping method for rice in subtropical, tropical, and temperate regions that can increase the number of harvests per year and increase yields while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The regenerative multiple cropping method for rice includes a seedling raising step, a shallow-water plowing step in the rice field, a rice planting or direct seeding step, a step of digging furrows in the rice field to create ridges, and a step of harvesting the rice, leaving a predetermined length from the base of the plant. Of these steps, the seedling raising step preferably includes a step of attaching VA mycorrhizal fungi to the rice seeds. Furthermore, it is preferable that the method further includes a step of sowing straw in the rice field between the shallow-water plowing step and the rice planting step.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for cultivating rice in multiple seasons. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, in subtropical, tropical, and temperate regions, rice cultivation has been carried out twice a year, or at most three times. The yield of Indica rice per harvest is approximately 350-400 kg of unhulled rice per 10 ares, meaning the annual yield limit is approximately 700-800 kg per 10 ares. The yield of Japonica rice per harvest is approximately 550 kg of coarse brown rice.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for double-cropping rice regeneration cultivation, which involves using an edible rice variety to cultivate the rice early for the first time, harvesting it for the first time, and then growing the "sprouts" that emerge from the stubble to cultivate the rice for the second time, and then harvesting it for the second time, thereby suppressing any deterioration in the taste of the rice obtained in the second harvest compared to the rice obtained in the first harvest. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-172956 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in recent years, the prices of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have skyrocketed, making it necessary to cultivate rice in conditions close to organic farming, without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Furthermore, there is also the problem of not being able to increase yields due to the limited number of harvests per year.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a regenerative multiple cropping method for rice cultivation in subtropical, tropical, and temperate regions that can increase the number of harvests per year while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the regenerative multiple crop cultivation method of rice of the present invention comprises a seedling raising step, a shallow water plowing step in the rice field, a rice planting or direct sowing step, a step of cutting furrows in the rice field to make ridges, and a step of harvesting the rice, leaving a predetermined length from the base of the plant. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] As described above, the regenerative multiple cropping method of rice of the present invention comprises the steps of raising seedlings, shallow-water plowing in the rice field, transplanting or direct sowing, cutting furrows in the rice field to form ridges, and harvesting the rice, leaving a predetermined length from the base of the plant. A regenerative multiple cropping method of rice comprising these steps can increase the number of harvests per year while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in subtropical, tropical, and temperate regions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of a regenerative multiple crop cultivation method for rice. [Figure 2] This is a photo of the first rice harvest. [Figure 3] This is a photo taken after the first crop was harvested. [Figure 4] This is a photo of the shoots 10 days after the first crop was harvested. [Figure 5] This photo was taken during the second harvest season. [Figure 6] This is a cultivation calendar for rice transplanting in the Philippines. (a) is a regrowth multi-crop system with 15cm of the base of the plant left, and (b) is a regrowth multi-crop system with 35cm of the base of the plant left. [Figure 7]This is a cultivation calendar for direct seeding in the Philippines. (a) is a regrowth multi-crop with the base of the plant left 15 cm, and (b) is a regrowth multi-crop with the base of the plant left 35 cm. [Figure 8] This is the cultivation calendar for Hyogo Prefecture. (a) is for conventional farming, and (b) is for regenerative double cropping. [Figure 9] This is the cultivation calendar for Okinawa Prefecture. (a) is the case of conventional double cropping, and (b) is the case of regenerative multiple cropping. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in the following examples are merely examples and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. [Example]

[0011] (Configuration of water-saving irrigation system) First, the components of the water-saving irrigation system S of the present invention will be described. The water-saving irrigation system S of the present invention is composed of the following components a) to i). a) Make low ridges (about 10-15cm high) in the rice field. b) Straw mulch c) VA mycorrhizal fungi d) Seedling raising (including soaking and germination) e) Rice planting (by machine or by hand) or direct sowing of germinated seeds. f) Regenerate two-crop seasons and further regenerate them to multi-crop seasons of three or more crops. g) The clear waterway is a drainage channel that can be used for irrigation or drainage. Drainage technology from rice fields. h) Cultivation calendar (harvest forecast) (system using Excel (registered trademark): self-created) i) Grain cutting management (investigate 4 stalks x 4 stalks on site) to understand the condition of the soil.

[0012] a) ridge It is formed by cutting furrows in the rice field. The width of the ridge is the width of the tire tracks of the rice transplanter. Use this as a reference when planting by hand. This will result in the areas where no furrows have been cut becoming convex ridges. Any areas where the soil has piled up on the ridge side due to the furrow cutting machine should be leveled by hand to improve drainage on the ridge side. The height of the ridges should preferably be 10cm to 15cm.

[0013] b) Straw mulch Straw cut into small pieces (cut into 5-20cm pieces) by a combine harvester is spread and called "straw mulch." Therefore, the combine harvester must be a type that can cut straw. When harvesting by hand, straw cut into 5-20cm pieces after threshing is used.

[0014] c) VA mycorrhizal fungi Mycorrhizae are beneficial microorganisms (mycorrhizal fungi) that are related to molds and mushrooms and produce vesicles and arbuscules. VA mycorrhizal fungi attach to plant roots and extend their hyphae into the soil, efficiently absorbing minerals such as phosphate and water, and providing them to the plant, as well as sugars produced by the plant through photosynthesis.

[0015] (Regenerative multi-season cultivation method) Next, we will explain the procedure of the regenerative multiple cropping method for rice using the above-mentioned water-saving irrigation system S. The regenerative multiple cropping method for rice of the present invention is composed of steps and elements 1) to 12).

[0016] 1) Rice planting should be done during periods of heavy rainfall. In tropical regions, it is the rainy season, and in subtropical and temperate regions, it is the rainy season. 2) Raise seedlings in time for planting (Step 1). At this time, a small amount of VA mycorrhizal fungi is attached to the rice seeds. This seedling raising process includes soaking the seeds and encouraging germination. 3) In rice fields, shallow water plowing is carried out (step 2). It is preferable to use rainwater for this purpose. 4) Straw is spread in the rice field (step 3). 5) Rice planting is carried out (Step 4). (Planting by machine or by hand) or by direct sowing of germinated seeds. 6) Dig furrows (Step 5). The width of the furrows will be the width of the tire tracks of the rice transplanter. If planting by hand, use this as a reference. The areas where the furrows have not been cut will become the ridges. In areas where the furrow cutting machine has caused the soil to pile up on the ridge side, the soil is leveled by hand to improve drainage on the ridge side. 7) Straw in the ridges has a weed-killing effect. It also serves as fertilizer. It also helps retain water in the ridges. 8) Because VA mycorrhizal fungi are aerobic, drain as much water as possible from the rice paddies (Step 6) (water conservation). However, do not drain the paddies until they are dry, but only drain them enough to maintain a moist state. 9) Watering is conserved during the heading period (Step 7). Straw in the furrows prevents the soil from drying out. VA mycorrhizal fungi draw water from the ground. 10) Harvesting is done by cutting the plant at about 10-40cm from the base (Step 8) (double cropping; see Figures 2-5). The length of the part left from the base is determined by the variety being cultivated. The same length should be used whether using a combine harvester or cutting by hand. Combine harvesters in particular have limitations on how high they can be cut. The plant may be held down (knocked over) by the machine's caterpillar tracks. 11) Spread straw (cut into 5-20cm pieces) between the plants (Step 9). Use a combine harvester that can cut straw. If harvesting by hand, cut the straw after threshing into 5-20cm pieces. 12) The first crop is the same as 1) to 9) above. The second crop is the same up to harvest 10 to 11. For the third crop and subsequent multiple crops, steps 10 to 11 are repeated. In other words, by using the regenerative multiple cropping cultivation method of the present invention, not only is it possible to regenerate two crops, but it is also possible to regenerate three or more crops, particularly four or five crops.

[0017] In the above-mentioned regenerative multiple cropping cultivation method, Rank It looks like this: Dry season water level: 1-10cm (hot season water level: 5-13cm) Rainy season water level: 0~2cm

[0018] (advantage) Next, we will explain the advantages of the regenerative multiple cropping rice cultivation method using the above-mentioned water-saving irrigation system S. The regenerative multiple cropping rice cultivation method of the present invention has the advantages and characteristics (1) to (6).

[0019] (1) It is important that the regenerative multiple cropping method for rice using water-saving irrigation systems be implemented locally, because if it is implemented in only a few rice fields, damage by birds will be concentrated. (2) In tropical regions, there are "dry seasons" and "hot seasons," which causes the land to dry out. However, by laying straw on the ridges, this drying can be prevented (straw mulch). (3) There is a lot of rain during the rainy season. Since VA mycorrhizal fungi are aerobic, clear drainage channels are necessary. (4) Straw mulch is effective against weeds. (5) Based on the harvest season predicted by the cultivation calendar, there are four or five harvest seasons in a year. In other words, for Indica rice, if the yield per harvest is 400 kg / 10a of unhulled rice, 1,600 to 2,000 kg / 10a can be expected. For Japonica rice, if the yield per harvest is 500 kg / 10a of coarse brown rice, 1,000 to 1,500 kg / 10a can be expected. (6) Regeneration: When multiple cropping is practiced, soil fertility declines. This can be assessed by tsubo-harvesting (harvesting rice in an area of ​​3.3 m² and calculating the total harvest based on that). If the assessment indicates that soil fertility has declined, begin with "Step 1) Rice planting." Rice planting must be done during the rainy season.

[0020] (evaluation) (1) In tropical and subtropical regions, conventional methods require 120 to 150 days from the previous harvest, plowing, planting, and harvesting. With regenerative multiple cropping, harvest time is about 70 days, depending on the height at which the rice is harvested from the base of the plant. (2) The temperature required for rice to grow is 16 degrees Celsius or higher. Tropical and subtropical regions fully meet this requirement. (3) Regarding temperature, the conditions are met in subtropical regions (Okinawa region) and temperate regions. (Harvest forecast) If sterility occurs in winter, the rice will be harvested green. The harvested rice will be used as cattle feed (WCS feed). (4) Chemical fertilizers and pesticides will no longer be necessary. In the future, organic rice will be cultivated. If the soil fertility has declined, organic fertilizer can be spread on the rice paddy and plowed in, and rice planting can begin after a certain period of time.

[0021] (Note) This project needs to be undertaken across the region to spread the damage caused by birds, or measures need to be implemented across the region.

[0022] (Actions and Effects) Next, the effects of the rice regrowth multiple cropping cultivation method of this example will be listed and explained.

[0023] (1) As described above, the regenerative multiple cropping method for rice of the present invention comprises the steps of raising seedlings, shallow-water plowing in a rice field, transplanting or direct sowing rice, digging furrows in the rice field to form ridges, and harvesting the rice, leaving a predetermined length from the base of the plant. A regenerative multiple cropping method for rice comprising these steps can increase the number of harvests per year and increase the yield in subtropical, tropical, and temperate regions, while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

[0024] (2) The seedling raising process also involves attaching VA mycorrhizal fungi to the rice seeds (germinated rice), which allows the VA mycorrhizal fungi to attach to the rice roots and extend their hyphae into the soil, efficiently absorbing minerals such as phosphate and water, and providing them to the rice, as well as the sugars produced by photosynthesis. Furthermore, because VA mycorrhizal fungi are aerobic, rice can be grown satisfactorily even in climates with periods of little rain.

[0025] (3) Furthermore, it is preferable to further include a step of spreading straw in the rice field between the shallow water plowing step and the rice planting step. By spreading straw, the straw in the furrows has a weed-killing effect, the straw also serves as fertilizer, and it also has the effect of preventing water evaporation from the rice field.

[0026] (4) In addition, by adding a process of draining the water from the rice paddy between the ridge-making process and the harvesting process, the aerobic VA mycorrhizal fungi will become more active, promoting the growth of rice plants.

[0027] (5) Furthermore, by allowing the rice paddies to be drained before heading, the straw in the rows prevents the soil from drying out, while the VA mycorrhizal fungi draw out moisture from the ground.

[0028] (6) In addition, the harvesting process involves leaving 10 to 40 cm from the base of the plant. By adjusting the length left depending on the rice variety, it is possible to promote rice growth and achieve regenerative multiple cropping.

[0029] (7) Furthermore, after the harvesting process, a process of scattering chopped straw between the stalks is added. This prevents the soil from drying out and also allows nutrients from the straw to flow into the soil, making it possible to cultivate rice without using chemical fertilizers.

[0030] (8) Furthermore, with the above-mentioned regenerative multiple cropping method for rice, by repeating the harvesting process at least three times, it becomes possible to achieve multiple cropping of three or more years, which was previously impossible. [Example]

[0031] Next, the results of simulation of actual cultivation calendars in the Philippines and Japan (Hyogo Prefecture and Okinawa Prefecture) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0032] First, we will use Figure 6 (rice transplanting) and Figure 7 (direct seeding) to explain the comparison of the cultivation calendar for rice transplanting in the Philippines with that for direct seeding.

[0033] In the case of rice transplanting, as shown in Figure 6(a), when harvesting rice with a combine harvester that leaves 15 cm of the base of the plant, the regrowth period is longer, so if the first transplanting is on June 1st, the fourth harvest will be on March 28th. In this case, the fifth "sprouting" will be on March 29th, and the rice harvest will be on June 4th, which is not possible. For this reason, four regrowth crops will be the limit. As a result, the annual yield will be 1,490 kg, an increase in annual yield of 199%.

[0034] In the case of rice transplanting, as shown in Figure 6(b), if rice is harvested by hand, leaving 35 cm of the base of the plant, the regrowth period is shorter, so if the first transplanting is on June 1st, the fourth harvest will be on March 2nd. This means that the fifth "sprouting" will be on March 3rd and the rice harvest will be on April 29th. This makes it possible to regrow five crops in a row. As a result, the annual yield will be 1,890 kg, an increase in annual yield of 252%.

[0035] (Consideration) If you leave it for a long time at the base of the plant, it will grow faster and you will get a larger harvest in a year. Here, November to February is the dry season, March to May is the hot season, and June to October is the rainy season. After germination, attach VA mycorrhizal fungi. Rice seedlings should be transplanted at about 20cm.

[0036] In the case of direct seeding, as shown in Figure 7(a), harvesting rice with a combine harvester that leaves 15 cm of the base of the plant requires a longer regrowth period, so if the first direct seeding is on June 1st, the fourth harvest will be on April 5th. This means that the fifth "sprouting" will occur on April 6th, and the rice harvest will be on June 13th, which is not possible. For this reason, four regrowth crops will be the limit. As a result, the annual yield will be 1,490 kg, an increase in annual yield of 199%.

[0037] In the case of direct seeding, as shown in Figure 7(b), the regrowth period is shorter when harvesting rice by hand, leaving 35 cm of the base of the plant, so if the first direct seeding is on June 1st, the fourth harvest will be on March 12th. This means that the fifth "sprouting" will occur on March 13th and the rice harvest will be on May 10th, making it possible to regrow five crops in a row. As a result, the annual yield will be 1,890 kg, an increase in annual yield of 252%.

[0038] (Consideration) If you leave it for a long time at the base of the plant, it will grow faster and you will get a larger harvest in a year. Here, November to February is the dry season, March to May is the hot season, and June to October is the rainy season. After germination, attach VA mycorrhizal fungi. Direct seeding involves sowing germinated rice directly into the rice field.

[0039] Next, we will explain the comparison of the cultivation calendars in Hyogo Prefecture and Okinawa Prefecture in Japan using Figure 8 (Hyogo Prefecture) and Figure 9 (Okinawa Prefecture). In both cases, (a) shows the conventional farming method, and (b) shows the regenerative multiple cropping method of the present invention.

[0040] In the case of Hyogo Prefecture, as shown in Figure 8(a), conventional farming methods involve single-crop cultivation. In the case of regenerative multiple cropping according to the present invention, when rice is harvested using a combine harvester that leaves 15 cm of the base of the plant, as shown in Figure 8(b), if the first rice planting is on April 1st, the first rice harvest will be on August 1st. In this case, the second "sprouting" will occur on August 2nd, and the rice harvest will be on October 26th. This makes regenerative double-crop cultivation possible. As a result, the annual yield will be 1,100 kg, an increase in annual yield of 200%.

[0041] In Okinawa Prefecture, as shown in Figure 9(a), conventional farming methods involve two crops per year. In the case of regenerative multi-season cropping according to the present invention, if rice is harvested using a combine harvester that leaves 15 cm of the base of the plant, as shown in Figure 9(b), if the first rice transplanting is on March 2nd, the third rice harvest will be on October 28th. In this case, the fourth "sprouting" will occur on October 29th, and the rice harvest will be on February 4th, so this can be carried out. However, it is better not to harvest. This makes regenerative triple cropping possible. As a result, the annual yield will be 1,200 kg, a 150% increase in annual yield.

[0042] (Consideration) In Japan, rice is harvested using a combine harvester. The rice is harvested at 15cm from the base of the plant. Here, December to February is winter, March to May is spring, June is the rainy season, July to September is summer, and October to November is autumn. After germination, attach VA mycorrhizal fungi. Rice seedlings should be transplanted at about 20cm.

[0043] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are included in the present invention.

Claims

1. A seedling raising process; The process of shallow water plowing in rice fields, The process of spreading straw in the rice fields, A step of transplanting or direct seeding rice; This involves cutting furrows in the rice paddies to create ridges 10-15cm high, creating clear channels that can be used as irrigation channels and drainage channels. A process of draining water from rice fields, not draining until the fields are dry, but draining only enough to maintain a moist state; A process of cutting the grass leaving a specified length from the base of the plant; In this order, The seedling raising step includes a step of attaching VA mycorrhizal fungi to the rice seeds after germination, Repeating the cutting step at least three times; The water level in the clear waterway is adjusted to 1 to 10 cm in the dry season and 0 to 2 cm in the rainy season. A method for regenerative multiple cropping of rice in subtropical or tropical regions.

2. 2. The method for regenerative multiple cropping of rice according to claim 1, wherein the rice reaches the heading stage in a state where the water in the rice paddy has been drained.

3. 2. The method for cultivating rice in a regenerative multiple crop according to claim 1, wherein the harvesting step is a step of harvesting the plants so that 10 cm to 40 cm of the plant base is left.

4. The method for cultivating rice in a regenerative multiple cropping manner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a step of sowing cut straw between the plants after the harvesting step.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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