Rice crops can either be direct seeded or transplanted.
In direct seeding, seeds are sown directly in the field. While in transplanting, seedlings are first raised in seedbeds before they are planted in the field.
Soil fertility is essential for a rice plant to grow and develop normally. A number of crop problems can be related to nutrient imbalance in the field.
Control of weeds during land preparation is crucial to reduce the amount of weed pressure in the field. Loss of yield to weeds is the worst during 0–30/40 days after sowing or transplanting (DAS/DAT).