Maximizing the dry season for post-rice alternatives

RATIONALE:

There is a need to maximize the use of residual moisture an/or land area in rice-based farming systems, through crop-intensification by raising alternative crops after rice. This also contributes to the diversification of the farm.

Diversification of crops in a rice-based system, particularly with the use of vegetable crops, improves overall farm income, reduces the degree of deterioration of fertility, increases the uses of residual moisture and cropping intensity and improves daily cash flows. Such multiple cropping systems also help reduce insect populations.

CONSIDERATIONS:

· Is land efficiently used?
· Are all land areas utilized?
· Does the present use conserve the land?
· Is available water efficiently used?
· Are the crops grown when they are best suited?
· Is farm work designed to employ/utilize the labor of other family members?
· What capital resources are available?

Figure

IN THE SELECTION OF CROPS, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

· market potential/demand
· price
· family benefit
· knowledge/skill in growing
· maturity of varieties
· time of planting
· method of planting

TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS:

1. Immediately before harvesting, mung bean seeds are broadcasted into the rice paddies. During harvesting, the mung beans are trampled thus establishing a mung bean crop stand.

Mung bean seeds are broadcasted

2. The rice stubble is cut to the ground and used as a mulch (in addition-to the rice straw from threshing). After mulching the field, the area is flooded for about 1/2 day or until it is saturated. The area is then planted with onion or garlic. (Nueva Ecija)

The rice stubble is cut to the ground

3. The field is plowed and harrowed and planted with various vegetables. (Nueva Ecija)

The field is plowed and harrowed

4. The paddies are cleaned of rice stubble, flooded until saturated and holes are dug at a 2 m x 2 m distance. Watermelon and musk melon are then planted. (Nueva Ecija and Cavite)

The paddies are cleaned of rice stubble

CROPPING PATTERN FOR A RAINFED LOWLAND RICE-BASED AREA:

Rice is grown from July to October when water is available and the supply is adequate. Then, using residual soil moisture and available rain water, vegetable production can be feasible during the dry season.

CROPPING PATTERN FOR AN IRRIGATED LOWLAND RICE-BASED AREA:

Two crops of rice can be grown between May and January. The first with rain and the second with supplemental irrigation. Vegetable crops can then be grown during the dry months using available residual soil moisture.