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Improving Fertilizer Efficiency in Rice Cultivation

Rice sowing with a row planter combined with incorporation of fertilizer into the soil at Thuan Loi Cooperative in Xa Phien Municipality (Can Tho City) during the 2025-2026 winter-spring harvest.

The Importance of Efficient Fertilizer use

Improper or excessive fertilization drives up costs and increases greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural production.Recognizing this, rice farmers in Can Tho are actively implementing solutions to use fertilizers efficiently and economically, with support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Habitat and other relevant authorities. Why is this so crucial? As fertilizers, while essential for crop growth, represent a significant expense for farmers and a potential source of environmental harm when misused. Reducing waste not only benefits the farmer’s bottom line but also contributes to a more enduring agricultural system.

The “Four right Principles” of Fertilization

Effective fertilization hinges on applying the “four right principles”: the right source, the right rate, the right time, and the right place. Let’s break down why each of these matters:

• Right Source: Choosing the fertilizer type that best suits the rice plant’s needs and the soil’s characteristics. Different fertilizers contain varying nutrient compositions, and selecting the appropriate one maximizes nutrient uptake.
• Right Rate: Applying the optimal amount of fertilizer. Too little limits growth, while too much can be wasteful, damage the plant, and pollute the environment.
• Right Time: Fertilizing at the stages of rice growth when nutrient demand is highest. This ensures the plant can effectively utilize the nutrients.
• Right Place: Placing the fertilizer where the rice roots can easily access it. This minimizes nutrient loss through runoff or volatilization.

Utilizing Rice Leaf Color Scales

Using color scales to assess rice leaf color provides a simple yet effective way to gauge the plant’s nutrient status. Leaf color is directly linked to nitrogen levels. A lighter green indicates a nitrogen deficiency, signaling the need for fertilizer request. conversely, a dark green suggests sufficient nitrogen. This method allows farmers to adjust fertilizer application based on the plant’s actual needs, rather than relying on fixed schedules. This is a form of precision agriculture, tailoring inputs to specific plant requirements.

Integrated Technical Measures: “3 Reductions, 3 Increases” & “1 Must, 5 Reductions”

Simultaneous implementation of technical measure packages, such as “3 reductions, 3 increases” and “1 must, 5 reductions,” is highly recommended. These packages aim to:

• Reduce fertilizer use: Minimizing the amount of fertilizer applied.
• Reduce pesticide use: Lowering reliance on chemical pesticides.
• Reduce water use: optimizing irrigation practices.
• Increase yield: Maximizing rice production.
• Increase quality: Improving the quality of the harvested rice.
• Increase efficiency: Enhancing the overall efficiency of the farming process.