A B

What do Which seems What are the

you well-levelled, A or benefits of a well-
observe in B? Why? levelled field?
the two
pictures?
Land Preparation
Key Check 2:
No high & low
soil spots after
final levelling
Part 1: Understanding the PalayCheck System
 Importance of Key Check 2

less water to fill up;

uniform water distribution;
easier drainage

efficient fertilizer application

less weed incidence;

better snail management
uniform crop maturity;
timely harvesting A well-leveled field
is a prerequisite to
use of farm machinery & GOOD WATER &
application of controlled
irrigation facilitated 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
A field is properly
leveled if:
 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.
Recommendations
to Achieve
Key Check 2
Recommendations to Achieve
Key Check 2
 Clean & repair dikes & ditches.

Why do you have to clean

& repair dikes & ditches?
Recommendations to Achieve
Key Check 2
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
If organic materials
Control pests, water are not fully decomposed,
flow soil becomes acidic &
 Prepare seedbed some nutrients
become less available.
Recommendations to Achieve
Key Check 2

 Harrow field at least 2x at 1wk interval.

 Breaks the clods

 Incorporates stubbles
 Allows drop seeds &
weed seeds to
germinate
 Helps reduce initial
pest population &
maintain hard pan
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)
 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: 0920-911-1398