Agronomic practices for improving yields of rainfed lowland rice in Laos

摘要

Agronomic research aimed at developing technologies for improving lowland rice yields in Lao PDR began in 1992. Results indicate that, to obtain high yields from rainfed lowland transplanted rice, high-yielding varieties should be sown in the early wet season (i.e. late May to early June) and seedlings should be 25 days old when transplanted. Early sowing (early June) is also important for direct-seeded rainfed lowland rice. When weed control is optimal and crop establishment is good, yields of direct-seeded rice can equal those of transplanted crops. Yield. potential can be maximized under dry-season irrigated conditions by ensuring a high plant population through closer hill spacing. Transplanted rice in rainfed lowlands probably has the same requirements. The increase in potential yield achievable from improved agronomic practices for both rainfed lowland and irrigated rice depends on appropriately managing soil fertility. Technology PaCkages for both transplanted and direct-seeded rainfed low[and rice in the wet season are also described.