What it does

Direct seeded plants can have problems in lodging, weeds, and uneven growth.

When planted too close to each other, plants can develop thin stems and possibly lodge. When planted with larger spacing or when there are too few plants, weeds can grow in between spaces and yield potential can be lost.

Why and where it occurs

Crop density is a problem of direct seeded fields, especially when broadcast seeded. Crops can be surface broadcasted (wet or dry), drill seeded (using machines) or broadcast and incorporated when sown on dry fields. Pre-germinated seed is typically used when wet direct seeding.

Direct seeded fields tend to have greater problems of lodging, especially when the seed is surface sown. When broadcast, fields can have patches of either too many or too few plants depending on the skills of the broadcaster and the soil conditions where the seed lands. Farmers often use high seed rates due to poor seed quality, to compensate for losses to rats, birds and snails and to increase crop competition with weeds.

How to identify

To identify if your field is not properly seeded, check if

• plant count is high (more than 250 plants per sq m) or if
• plant count is too low (less than 75 plants per sq m)
• crop growth is uneven across the field

High plant density can also result from high seed rates or uneven seed distribution in the field. Various problems can cause low plant stands (e.g., cloddy soil, seed too deep, soil too soft at seeding, heavy rainfall at seeding, soil crusting, poor seed quality, poor seed distribution, low seed rate, water stress, muddy water at seeding, clogged seeder and/or pests such as ants, birds and rats that remove seed at planting. To confirm the cause of problem, ask the farmer about the seeding rate.

How to manage

• For good planting or crop establishment, ensure proper flow of seeds, check seed drop during planting.
• After planting, ensure good water management and well leveled water, especially in direct seeded fields.
• Ensure appropriate seed rate with even distribution of seed
• Crop stand should be in the order of 100 to 200 plants per square meter
• Use seed rates between 40 to 100 kg per ha if other factors, such as pest problems and seedbed preparation, are not a concern

Learn more

View full fact sheet:
Direct seeded crops on IRRI Rice Knowledge Bank