Fertilizer management plays a crucial role in rice production for several reasons. Firstly, it is necessary to achieve optimum yield. By providing the right balance of nutrients, fertilizers support the healthy growth and development of rice plants, leading to higher productivity and maximizing crop yield.
Secondly, insufficient fertilizer application can have detrimental effects. Without an adequate supply of nutrients, rice plants may experience stunted growth, resulting in lower yields. Moreover, insufficient fertilization can make the plants more susceptible to diseases and pest attacks, further compromising their overall health and productivity.
The need for soil testing
Given the importance of good fertilizer management, soil testing serves as the initial step toward proper nutrient management. By understanding the nutrient content of the soil, farmers can make informed decisions regarding the appropriate types and amounts of fertilizers to apply. This promotes targeted and efficient nutrient management, preventing unnecessary or excessive fertilizer use, which can be both costly and harmful to the environment.
Nutrient deficiencies in rice can have detrimental effects on the plant's growth and productivity. Common deficiencies include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and boron. These deficiencies manifest through symptoms such as yellowing or discoloration of leaves, stunted growth, reduced tillering, poor root development, and decreased grain quality and yield. Identifying and addressing these deficiencies through proper nutrient management practices, such as soil testing and targeted fertilizer applications, is essential for promoting healthy rice growth, maximizing yields, and ensuring sustainable crop production.
The Minus One Element Technique (MOET) diagnostic kit
The Minus One Element Technique (MOET) soil diagnostic kit is a tool developed by Philrice and is used for assessing the nutrient status of the soil. It involves growing plants in a controlled environment with complete nutrient solutions, while intentionally omitting one specific element at a time. By observing the response of the plants and comparing it to a control group that receives all essential nutrients, the MOET kit helps identify nutrient deficiencies in the soil.
The MOET soil diagnostic kit offers a range of advantages. It is affordable, making it accessible to farmers with limited resources. MOET is easy to perform, providing a user-friendly method for assessing soil nutrient status. Its effectiveness is comparable to traditional soil lab analysis, ensuring reliable results. Moreover, MOET can be conducted in areas where soil testing laboratories are not available, making it a valuable tool for soil nutrient assessment in remote or underserved regions. These advantages make MOET a practical and reliable option for farmers seeking cost-effective and accessible soil diagnostic solutions.
How to use MOET diagnostic kit
1. Get 30 kg soil samples from random places in the rice field from 10 locations distant from each other. Obtain 20 cm of soil depth using PVC pipes. Avoid using rusty shovels. Do not get samples from the soil with decomposing materials or animal manure.
Collection of soil samples in the field. (DA-Philrice/Facebook)
2. Prepare 7 black pots or containers, the MOET kit formulation, and 35 seedlings of 10-12 days old rice or seeds.
Placing the moist soil in each of the seven large plastic containers. (DA-Philrice/Facebook)
3. Mix all the collected soil samples in a large plastic container. Remove roots, rocks, branches, and other foreign materials in the soil sample. If the soil is dry, soak it for one week. Mix the collected soil thoroughly. Place four kilograms of moist soil in each of the seven large plastic containers or containers without holes
4. Place labels on each of the pots (complete, -N, -P, -K, -Zn, -S, and -Cu) then mix the corresponding formulation packages in soil to the pots with the corresponding labels. Wash your hands after mixing the formulation in each container before moving to another container.
5. Transfer 4-5 seedlings aged 10-12 days to each container. If sprouted seeds are being used, it is better to put more seeds in each container to avoid the need for replanting.
Transferring of seedlings to each container. (DA-Philrice/Facebook)
6. Make sure there is always water in the containers. Place the containers in a location that receives sunlight but is protected from animals such as chickens and goats. After two weeks, thin out the seedlings and leave only two healthy ones.
Observe the growth of the rice plants in each container. (DA-Philrice/Facebook)
7. Observe the growth of the rice plants. After 45 days, compare the size and number of tillers in each container of planted rice with the one that received complete fertilizer. The container with complete fertilizer is expected to have good growth or lushness. If the rice plants in all containers are healthy and growing well, it indicates that the soil has sufficient nutrients. If the rice plants in a particular container are smaller or have fewer tillers by more than 80%, it means that the soil in that container lacks such nutrients.
Observing the response of the plants in each pots and comparing it to a control group that receives all essential nutrients. (DA-Philrice/Facebook)
8. Base the fertilizer application on the results of a soil test (MOET). The fertilizer recommendation can be found on the package label or in the MOET Android app.
The MOET diagnostic kit, which can be ordered through the MOET Android app, is currently priced at 400 pesos. The MOET diagnostic kit offers a practical and accessible means for assessing soil nutrient status and implementing targeted nutrient management strategies.
The MOET diagnostic kit, which can be ordered through the MOET Android app, is currently priced at 400 pesos. The MOET diagnostic kit offers a practical and accessible means for assessing soil nutrient status and implementing targeted nutrient management strategies.