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Rice needs water for evapotranspiration, seepage and percolation, as well as for management practices such as land preparation and drainage. Submerged rice cultivation practices help to promote water percolation and groundwater recharge, control flooding during heavy rains, and prevent weed growth in rice fields.
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Advantage of wet paddy farming: Helps to promote water percolation
Wet paddy farming, also known as rice cultivation, has several advantages. One of the key advantages is that it helps to promote water percolation. This means that the water is able to penetrate and seep into the soil more effectively, benefiting both the crop and the overall ecosystem.
1. Efficient water management:
Wet paddy farming involves the cultivation of rice in flooded or waterlogged fields. This provides a suitable environment for the growth of rice plants as they require a significant amount of water. The flooded fields help to maintain the required moisture level for the rice crop, preventing water stress and ensuring optimal growth. Moreover, the standing water acts as a natural barrier against the growth of weeds, reducing competition for nutrients and sunlight.
2. Enhanced soil fertility:
The flooding of the paddy fields not only provides water for the rice crop but also helps in the decomposition of organic matter, such as farm yard manure. As the organic matter decomposes in the flooded fields, it releases nutrients that are essential for the growth of rice plants. This process enriches the soil and improves its fertility. Additionally, the flooded conditions inhibit the decomposition of organic matter, preventing the loss of nutrients from the soil through leaching.
3. Reduction of pests and diseases:
The flooding of paddy fields also helps to reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases. Many pests and diseases that affect rice plants cannot survive in waterlogged conditions. Therefore, by keeping the fields flooded, farmers can minimize the damage caused by these pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
4. Soil erosion prevention:
Flooding the fields in wet paddy farming helps to prevent soil erosion. The standing water acts as a protective layer, preventing the topsoil from being washed away by heavy rains or wind. This is particularly important in areas with steep slopes or heavy rainfall, where soil erosion can be a significant problem. By promoting water percolation and reducing soil erosion, wet paddy farming helps to maintain the long-term productivity of the land.
In conclusion, wet paddy farming offers several advantages, including efficient water management, enhanced soil fertility, reduction of pests and diseases, and prevention of soil erosion. These benefits contribute to the sustainability and productivity of the agricultural system, making wet paddy farming an important practice in subsistence agriculture dominated by rice cultivation.
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