Rice is an important crop that traditionally requires significant amounts of water for successful cultivation. However, the current climate challenges associated with limited water resources are forcing us to look for new approaches to irrigation. In today's agribusiness environment, finding efficient and cost-effective ways to grow crops is becoming a priority. One of these technologies is drip irrigation, which is gaining more and more supporters among Ukrainian farmers, particularly for rice cultivation. The Stoyanov A.A. farm took the liberty of testing this technology, and the results are not long in coming - a rice "butterfly" was produced. The successful achievement of this milestone is a confirmation of the high level of professionalism and innovative approach to agricultural production of the farm's team. The importance of this event cannot be underestimated, as it opens up new prospects for expanding the area under rice fields and ensuring the country's food security.

Agronomists of the Stoyanov A.A. farm share their valuable experience on the stages of rice cultivation on drip irrigation

1. Prepare the soil and sow the seeds.

Before sowing rice seeds, the soil is carefully prepared: weeds are removed, organic and mineral fertilisers are applied, and the surface is levelled. This ensures optimal conditions for plant development. After that, the seeds are sown.

2. Installation of a drip irrigation system.

After sowing, a drip irrigation system is installed. It consists of tubes and drippers that are placed along the rows of plants. This system allows precise delivery of water directly to the root zone, which minimises water loss and contributes to even soil moisture.

3. Formation and appearance of the "butterfly"

One of the key stages in rice cultivation is the formation of the panicle, the top part of the plant where the grains are concentrated. For the Stoyanov A.A. farm, the achievement of this stage was a landmark event, as it confirms the correctness of the chosen approach to growing rice under drip irrigation. The emergence of the "butterfly" indicates the successful completion of the vegetative phase and the transition to generative development.

The main water requirement of rice on drip irrigation during this period is 150-200 cubic metres per day. Thanks to the drip irrigation system, water is applied gradually, which helps maintain a stable level of soil moisture and reduces the risk of diseases associated with excessive moisture. Irrigation is carried out according to a schedule that takes into account the stage of plant development and weather conditions.

Currently, Stoyanov A.A. is actively working on protecting plants from possible diseases and pests. This is extremely important, as any damage can negatively affect the future harvest. The next stage is fertilisation, which will provide plants with the necessary microelements for the full ripening of the grain. This will increase the quality and quantity of the crop.

"Growing rice using drip irrigation is more than just an agricultural technology. It is a real revolution in agriculture that is changing the way we grow crops. In a world where every drop of water is worth its weight in gold, this method opens up new horizons. It allows us to grow high quality crops with minimal use of resources, while ensuring stable and predictable results.

Drip irrigation is precision, efficiency and care for the earth. It is a method that gives life to plants even in the driest regions, turning them into green oases. The importance of this approach for our country is hard to overestimate. It is not just an opportunity to increase yields, it is a step towards sustainable development, independence from natural conditions, and new standards in growing crops and rice in particular. Growing rice using drip irrigation embodies the belief in progress and the desire for a better future. It is a love of the land, backed by innovation and care.

It is the belief that even in conditions when water is a limited resource, we can provide our fields with life-giving moisture and our country with a stable harvest. And most importantly, it is a belief in our own strength that allows farmers to overcome new challenges every day by implementing the most advanced technologies for the prosperity of Ukrainian land," says Alla Stoyanova.

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