SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ (PIA) — The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) underscores the importance of proper water management in rice farming to support healthy plant growth, reduce pest incidence, and improve grain quality.
PhilRice Rice Engineering and Mechanization Division Senior Science Research Specialist Kristine Pascual said sufficient irrigation does not require rice fields to remain continuously flooded.
She explained that excessive water limits oxygen in the soil, affecting root respiration and weakening the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients needed for growth.
“Continuous flooding is unnecessary, as excess water makes the soil anaerobic, reducing oxygen for root respiration and slowing rice growth,” she said.
Pascual emphasized that during the first week after transplanting, maintaining a shallow water depth of one to two centimeters promotes strong root establishment and minimizes transplanting stress.
She identified the flowering to grain formation stage as the most sensitive phase of rice growth, stressing that a continuous and adequate water supply is needed to ensure full and heavy grains.
“The flowering to grain-filling stage is the most sensitive to water stress, as insufficient or excessive irrigation can cause poorly filled grains and reduce yield quality,” she added.
Under the PalayCheck System, Pascual noted that maintaining a water depth of five to seven centimeters during flowering supports better yield and improved grain quality.
She also pointed out that proper irrigation enhances nutrient absorption, prevents fertilizer loss, and helps manage pests and diseases, contributing to healthier rice crops and more stable income for farmers.
“Proper water management improves fertilizer efficiency by helping rice roots absorb nutrients, strengthens plant growth from establishment to harvest, reduces pest and disease stress, and results in fuller grains, better-quality yield, and more stable farmer income,” Pascual emphasized.
PhilRice continues to advise and educate Filipino farmers on proper water management and irrigation to achieve quality grains, higher productivity, and increased income in Central Luzon. (CLJD/MCAL, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
