What do you observe in the two pictures? AB Which seems well-levelled, A or B? Why? What are the benefits of a well- levelled field?

Part 1: Understanding the PalayCheck System Land Preparation Key Check 2: No high & low soil spots after final levelling

Importance of Key Check 2 efficient fertilizer application less weed incidence; better snail management uniform crop maturity; timely harvesting use of farm machinery & application of controlled irrigation facilitated less water to fill up; uniform water distribution; easier drainage A well-leveled field is a prerequisite to GOOD WATER & CROP MANAGEMENT.

If land is not well levelled... More water is needed to wet up the soil for land prep and crop establishment, reducing the effective time available to complete these tasks. Increased weeds, uneven crop stand and maturity, which results in lower yields and reduced grain quality.

Assessment of Key Check 2  No portion has more than 5 cm of water depth (≈ thumb length).  No mound of soil can be seen above the water surface after final land leveling. A field is properly leveled if:

Recommendations to Achieve Key Check 2

 Clean & repair dikes & ditches. Why do you have to clean & repair dikes & ditches?

Benefits of cleaning & repairing dikes & ditches. 1. Clean dikes to remove pest 2. Compact dikes to prevent seepage. 3. Maintain dikes at 15cm high x 20cm wide to prevent rat burrowing. 4. Ditches ensure even water distribution & drainage. Draining removes toxic substances, allows organic matter to decompose, & helps plant to produce stronger & deeper roots. Recommendations to Achieve Key Check 2

 Plow field 3 to 4 wk before planting. Why? Reduce clod size Incorporate fertilizer, residues & allow decomposition Control pests, water flow Prepare seedbed If organic materials are not fully decomposed, soil becomes acidic & some nutrients become less available. Recommendations to Achieve Key Check 2

Breaks the clods Incorporates stubbles Allows drop seeds & weed seeds to germinate Helps reduce initial pest population & maintain hard pan  Harrow field at least 2x at 1wk interval. Recommendations to Achieve Key Check 2

 Level the field with a wooden plank or power tiller- attached leveler. Recommendations to Achieve Key Check 2

 For direct wet-seeded rice, construct small canals surrounding the field near the levee & at the middle of the field. What for? As path for excess water & to facilitate collection of snails, to facilitate field operations (i.e. replanting, weeding) Recommendations to Achieve Key Check 2

Input-Output-Outcome Dike & ditch cleaning & repairing; plowing & harrowing; levelling FIELD WITH NO HIGH & LOW SOIL SPOTS reduced pest population, weeds, & water loss; decomposed plant residues & recycled plant nutrients; uniform water distribution & crop maturity; efficient nutrient intake Better yield & grain quality; Less damage to environment

Key Check 2: No high & low soil spots after final levelling

CREDITS Instructional presentation designer: Dr. Karen Eloisa Barroga Sources of technical content/reviewers of presentation: Dr. Manuel Jose Regalado; Engr. Arnold Juliano; Dr. Aurora Corales; Engr. Eugenio Castro, IRRI Note: Adapted from a powerpoint presentation developed by: Dr. Manuel Jose Regalado; Engr. Arnold Juliano; Dr. Aurora Corales You may use, remix, tweak, For more information, visit: & build upon this presentation non-commercially. However, always use with acknowledgment. Unless otherwise stated, the names listed are PhilRice staffers. Produced in 2011 Text: