Apply fertilizer nutrients as per soil-test based (STCR-IPNS) recommendations for the desired yield target. The nitrogen dose can be guided by the Leaf Colour Chart (LCC), and P and K by site-specific nutrient management. When stubble of the previous crop is incorporated, apply 10 kg N/ha (22 kg urea) at the first puddling, at least 10 days before planting the next crop.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Transplanted rice – Nutrient management, p. 21
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Biofertilizers in the main field
For the wet season crop, raise Azolla as a dual crop by inoculating 250 kg/ha 3–5 days after transplanting, and incorporate it during weeding. For the dry season crop, broadcast 10 kg of soil-based blue-green algae (BGA) flakes at 10 days after transplanting and keep a thin film of water. Mix 2 kg each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria (or Azophos) with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of sand and broadcast before transplanting.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Transplanted rice – Biofertilizer application, p. 21
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Weed control with a rotary weeder
Use a rotary weeder from 15 days after transplanting at 10-day intervals. It saves weeding labour, aerates the soil and root zone, prolongs root activity and improves grain filling. Dual cropping of rice with Azolla or green manure, and summer ploughing, also reduce weeds.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Transplanted rice – Weed management, p. 24
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Pre-emergence herbicide
Butachlor at 1.25 kg/ha or anilophos at 0.4 kg/ha can be used as a pre-emergence application.
Follow the instructions on the product label. Consult your local Agriculture Officer before use.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Transplanted rice – Weed management (pre-emergence herbicides), p. 24
Region
Tamil Nadu
Last updated
2026-11-04
Water management
Puddling and levelling reduce the water requirement. At transplanting, a shallow depth of 2 cm of water is enough; deeper water leads to deep planting and less tillering. Maintain 2 cm of water up to seven days after transplanting. After establishment, cyclic submergence of 5 cm is the best practice throughout the crop period: irrigate again to 5 cm after the ponded water disappears (for clay soil, about one day after). Panicle initiation, booting, heading and flowering are critical stages; do not let soil moisture fall below saturation then. The last irrigation may be 15 days before harvest.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Transplanted rice – Water management, pp. 25–26
