Circles for Rice Update | by Jake LaRue

Tillering

The rice around the United States is developing well, stages varying from early tillering to late tillering. As we move into tillering, now is the time to begin the application of nitrogen. The most cost-effective and efficient way is to apply liquid products through the center pivot, such as 28-0-0-5 or 32-0-0. Now is the time to push the nitrogen, applying 25 lbs to 30 lbs of actual N per week for the next four weeks.

Weed control continues to be critical as growers now need to ensure strong tillering to close the canopy and shade out weeds. Recently, one grower applied Newpath and Permit. Scouting needs to be done to confirm if there is a weed problem and to determine the right product for the right weed.

Watering needs to continue at least every other day to wet the root zone. Application depths for those in early tillering should be in the 0.25 inch to 0.35 inch range, and later tillering 0.35 inch to 0.50 inch, if the soil can infiltrate the amount applied every other to every third day.