Urea Deep Placement (UDP): A Technology Developed By IFDC To Improve Nitrogen Fertilization in Irrigated Rice Systems
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Date
2014
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Abstract
Urea Deep Placement (UDP) is an innovative nitrogen fertilization technology developed by IFDC to enhance rice production in irrigated systems. This method involves placing urea briquettes, or urea supergranules (USG), at a depth of 7-10 cm between four rice plants, seven days after transplanting. UDP reduces the recommended urea application rate while significantly improving paddy yields by 15-30%. The technology helps minimize nitrogen losses through runoff, leaching, and volatilization, ensuring that nitrogen is available to the crop throughout its growth cycle. UDP is most effective in heavy clay soils with high water retention and is best applied to high-yielding, short-cycle rice varieties. The benefits of UDP include reduced fertilizer use, higher crop yields, improved grain quality, and cost savings. However, challenges such as labor requirements for deep placement, high initial costs, and soil conditions that affect nitrogen retention need to be addressed. UDP enhances nitrogen use efficiency, reduces environmental impacts, and supports food security and farmer profitability.
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Deep placement, Urea