Early production of robust seedlings through modified mat nursery for enhancing rice (Oryza sativa) productivity and profit

A modified rice (Oryza sativa L) mat nursery was developed at the Soil and Water Management Research Institute (SWMRI), Thanjavur, India. It produced robust seedlings in 15 days after sowing (DAS) that were similar in size as that of 25 to 30 days old seedlings produced in traditional nursery. Seedling mats could be easily transported and easily separated. The modified rice mat nursery could save the cost on seed, water and labour and thereby an overall saving of cost by about 50% was achieved. Soil + pressmud mixture (1:1 w/w) produced the most vigorous seedlings in 15 days, recording the maximum seedling height (20.8 cm), root length (9.9 cm), leaves/seedling (4.2) and seedling-vigour index (8.2). Soil alone or 90% soil + 10% rice husk mixture also produced healthy seedlings. Other organic manures can be used for mat nursery provided it is fully decomposed and well mixed with soil. Seedlings of 15 days age when planted gave 16–20% higher yield than the rice crop planted with 25 days old seedlings of traditional wet nursery.