Planting Distance and Number of Seedlings in Rice Cultivation

Abstract

FOR early paddy a planting distance¹ of 6 in. × 6 in. using six seedlings² at each spot has been recommended. But this narrow row-spacing limits the use of interculture implements like rotary weeders, thereby affecting the economy of paddy cultivation. In order to find out if the row spacing could be increased without a detrimental effect on yield, and also to determine the corresponding number of seedlings to be planted at each spot, a field experiment was designed with rice variety N22, planted at 6 in. × 6 in., 8 in, × 4½ in. and 12 in. × 3 in., using two, four and six seedlings. The nine treatment-combinations were replicated four times in split plot design, with an ultimate plot-size of 6 ft. × 9 ft. Crop was harvested on October 6, 1956, ten weeks after transplanting. Results of analysis of variance of yield and of grain and straw yields are represented in Tables 1 and 2 respectively.