DSR vs puddled transplanted rice water saving cost
2 Answers
DSR (direct seeded rice) saves water and labour, while transplanting gives more reliable weed control and stand on heavy soils. DSR cuts irrigations and can reduce water use by about 15 to 20 percent or more, needs no puddling or nursery, lowers labour cost, and matures 7 to 10 days earlier giving a better window for wheat. The main risk in DSR is weeds, so timely pre and post emergence herbicides and good land levelling with laser leveller are essential. Light textured soils suit DSR better than very sandy soils where iron deficiency can show. Choose DSR if water and labour are scarce and you can manage weeds well.
DSR worked for me on loam after laser levelling. First year weeds troubled me, second year with correct spray timing it was fine and pump ran much less.