Rice Water Management: Flooding Without Waste

Rice is thirsty, but much of the water traditionally used is simply lost.

Practical steps

• Level the field: a well-levelled paddy holds an even depth, so you need less water and weeds are easier to control.
• Keep shallow water after transplanting, then let the field dry briefly between irrigations once roots are established (alternate wetting and drying).
• Never let it dry at flowering; stress then causes empty grains.
• Drain before harvest so the field firms up for machines.

Why it matters

Less pumping means lower fuel or power cost, and drier spells also reduce disease and methane emissions.