Optimizing Rice Yields: Influence Of Seedling Age And Crop Spacing In Sri

This study evaluates the impact of seedling age and crop spacing in the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) on rice yields in Nepal. Given the country’s dependency on rice, optimizing SRI techniques is crucial for higher productivity. Late planting of older seedlings and narrow spacing are key challenges leading to reduced rice production, resulting in higher imports. SRI offers a sustainable solution. The research focuses on seedling age and crop layout as critical factors for yield and economic returns within the SRI framework. Conducted in Sharadanagar Chitwan, Nepal, the study employed a randomized complete block design, testing seedling ages (8, 15, 22, and 29 days) and crop arrangements (20×20, 25×25, and 30×30 cm²). Findings emphasize the benefits of early transplantation of younger seedlings (around 15 days old) and wider spacing (25×25cm) for superior vegetative growth, productive tillers, and overall grain yield. The study highlights the importance of optimizing seedling age and crop layout for enhanced rice cultivation, suggesting that younger seedlings and appropriate spacing under the SRI model can significantly improve both vegetative and reproductive growth, thereby increasing grain yield and economic benefits. Implementing these refined parameters can strengthen Nepal’s agricultural resilience, enhance food security, and reduce rice imports.