Instructions on current rice sowing techniques

Hand sowing, machine sowing, row sowing — each method has advantages and disadvantages. Instructions for choosing suitable methods for fields + optimal amount of seeds for high yield and few pests in the Mekong Delta.

Summary: Sowing density is a decision that affects the entire crop. Thick sowing artificially increases tillering but increases pests and diseases, sparse sowing gives high yield but requires careful management. The Mekong Delta is gradually shifting from hand seeding at 150-180 kilograms per hectare to machine seeding at 80-120 kilograms — reducing seed costs, reducing crop-protection products, and maintaining productivity. This article compares the three methods + detailed technical instructions.

Applies to: Winter-Spring and Summer-Autumn crops in the Mekong Delta.

Duration: Sow in 1-2 days after preparing the soil.

Difficulty level: Basic with hands. Average with machine sowing + row sowing.

Estimated additional costs: Difference of 2-5 million VND per hectare between methods.

Three methods of sowing

Wash your hands

Traditional method, most popular in the Mekong Delta.

Advantages:

• Simple, no need for a machine.
• Suitable for small, not square fields.
• Low cost of machinery.

Disadvantages:

• Uneven density — thick areas, sparse areas.
• High seed yield of 150-180 kilograms per hectare.
• Labour-consuming — 1-2 people work 8-10 hours for 1 hectare.
• Difficult to manage weeds later (plants grow unevenly).

Charging the machine

Use a drum seeder or spread seeder.

Advantages:

• More even density.
• Reduce the amount of seed to 80-120 kilograms per hectare.
• Fast speed — 1 machine 1 hectare in 1-2 hours.
• Reduce seed costs by 30-50 percent.

Disadvantages:

• Large initial machine investment — 15-30 million VND. Or rent 300-500 thousand VND per hectare.
• Need a square field for the machine to move.
• Needs careful flattening — the machine cannot enter the hollow area.

Seeding (specialized machine seeding)

Using a sowing machine in rows — the most advanced method.

Advantages:

• Very even density.
• The lowest amount of seed is 70-90 kilograms per hectare.
• There is space between rows — easy to spray and fertilize.
• Highest potential yield.

Disadvantages:

• High machine investment of 30-60 million VND.
• Need absolutely flat field.
• More complicated technique.

Economic comparison of three methods

For households with large areas (over 3 hectares), investing in machine seeding is beneficial after 2-3 crops. Households with small areas — hire machine or hand sowing services depending on conditions.

Prepare seeds before sowing

Soaking process (same for all 3 methods):

Heat treatment kills pathogens

• Soak the seeds in warm water 54 degrees Celsius (3 boiling 2 cold) — mix 3 parts boiling water with 2 parts cold water.
• Soak for 10-15 minutes. Stir well.
• Pour into a basket and drain.

Soak in water

• Put the seed into a sack or box. Pour regular water to cover 5-10 centimeters.
• Soak for 24-36 hours. Change the water 1-2 times.
• The seeds have been soaked enough for the seeds to swell and crack slightly.

Keep warm

• Pour the seeds into a thin basket, cover with a damp sack.
• Place in a warm place at 25-30 degrees Celsius for 18-24 hours.
• Target: 60-80 percent of seeds germinate 1-2 millimeters. Sprouts that are too long (3-5 millimeters) are too strong — they easily break when sowing.

Note

• Do not soak for more than 36 hours — the seeds will be waterlogged and germination rate will decrease.
• Do not incubate for more than 24 hours — sprouts are long and vulnerable.
• After incubation, drain for 1-2 hours before sowing — the seeds should not stick together.

Sowing technique according to method

Wash your hands properly

Step 1: divide the amount of seed into equal parts according to the number of rows to go. For example, in a 1 hectare field, 120 kilograms of seed are sown. If you go 10 times, each time you sow 12 kilograms.

Step 2: wear the same holster on your hip. Follow the line from one end of the field to the other.

Step 3: spread seeds with your dominant hand. Hands spread wide in a fan shape, seeds fall evenly.

Step 4: step evenly, don't stop — spread 1-2 handfuls of seed each step.

Note:

• Sow in the early morning or late afternoon — do not sow in the midday sun (dry sprouts).
• Sow when the wind is light, do not sow on strong winds (seeds fly askew).
• After sowing, do not add water immediately. Let the seeds cling to the soil for 1-2 days.

Charging the machine

Machine settings:

• The amount of seeds per hour depends on the machine. Calculate in advance to set correctly.
• Travel speed is 3-5 kilometers per hour.

Operation:

• Ride the machine in a straight line. If you surrender, go to the end of the line, then turn around and go to the next line.
• The distance between rows depends on the machine — usually 25-30 centimeters.
• Check density regularly — if it is unusually thin or thick, adjust the machine.

Sowing goods

Similar to machine seeding but with higher accuracy:

• The machine sowed in specific rows, at a distance of 20-25 centimeters.
• Fixed amount of seeds per row.
• Suitable for good tillering varieties.

Managing water after sowing

The first 1-7 days

• Do not add water during the first 3-5 days (hand sowing) or the first 5-7 days (machine sowing + row sowing).
• Keep the field moist, not dry — spray lightly with water if necessary.
• Purpose: seeds stick to the ground, roots grow down.

7-14 days

• Add water gradually — 1-3 centimeter level.
• 5-7 cm tall rice seedlings are hard enough.

After 14 days

• Increase the water level by 3-5 centimeters — suitable for tillering.
• Wet and dry alternately: 5-7 days of water, 3-5 days of dryness. Save water + limit pests.

Follow up after recharging

• [ ] Germination rate after 7-10 days — target 70-85 percent.
• [ ] Seedling density — count the number of plants per square meter.
• [ ] Golden apple snails — check daily for the first 7 days.
• [ ] Growing weeds — spray with pre-emergent weed spray if necessary.

Common mistakes

Thick sowing of 180-200 kilograms per hectare for "safety": increased pests and diseases + waste of chemicals during the crop. Sowing 100-120 kilograms gives better yield.

Add water right after sowing: seeds float, do not stick to soil, density is uneven.

Sowing in the midday sun: dry sprouts, reduced germination rate.

Skip soaking in warm water and heat treatment: pathogens on the seed coat — especially rice blast — develop right from the start.

Sowing on a strong windy day: seeds fly askew, uneven density.

Take notes

• Sowing method + actual seed amount.
• Soaking day + sowing day.
• Germination rate after 7 days.
• Seedling density after 14 days.
• Yield at the end of the season.

Comparison between crops helps fine-tune the optimal amount of seed for a particular field.

References

• *Technical process of sowing rice* — Mekong Delta Rice Institute, 2023.
• *Instructions for sowing rice economically* — Department of Crop Production, 2022.

Related articles

• Technical instructions for preparing land for rice cultivation
• Process of soaking and fermenting winter-spring rice seeds
• Technical instructions for water management in paddy fields
• Rice price tracking and 30-day forecast