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Rice intercropping and intercropping cultivation and yield increasing technology
Rice is one of the most significant staple crops in Sichuan Province. The annual sowing area reaches approximately 33 million mu, making up about 30% of the total grain planting area. The overall output is around 34 billion kilograms, accounting for half of the province's total grain production. Indica rice plays a vital role in this system, while glutinous rice holds special cultural and economic significance as a traditional non-staple food and an essential raw material for food processing and brewing. It is deeply embedded in local lifestyles and industries.
In the late 1980s, hybrid rice was widely promoted, significantly increasing the yield of japonica rice. However, the production of japonica rice remained relatively backward due to outdated varieties and traditional farming methods. Most of the varieties used were conventional types with better quality but weaker resistance and taller stems, making them more prone to lodging. Cultivation practices were also outdated, often involving net-like planting that led to instability. Over the past decade, the threat of rice blast has worsened, reducing yields to about 350 kg per mu. This low productivity has led to declining planting areas, now only around 400,000 mu, which is insufficient to meet the needs of both daily consumption and industrial demand. Additionally, the high cost of disease control has caused environmental pollution and disrupted ecological balance.
To address these challenges, the province launched a strategy in 2002, focusing on market-oriented approaches, technological innovation, and maximizing benefits. By promoting hybrid rice technology and utilizing biodiversity principles, they introduced intercropping between hybrid and japonica rice. This method helped control rice blast effectively, improving yields and economic returns. For example, in Guang'an City, intercropping reached 256,600 mu, with hybrid mid-season rice yielding 550.9 kg per mu and indica rice at 45.2 kg, resulting in a significant increase compared to single-crop systems. In Mingyang Township, the combined yield reached 648.1 kg per mu, surpassing pure hybrid rice by 40.1 kg, boosting overall production and income substantially.
The success of this approach lies in its eco-agricultural principles. By combining different rice varieties with varying growth periods and plant heights, the system maximizes light and resource utilization while naturally suppressing rice blast. This not only increases yield but also improves sustainability and reduces chemical inputs. Farmers like Zhang Heguang in Sanyang Village have seen remarkable results, with their plots producing over 660 kg per mu, clearly demonstrating the benefits of this innovative technique.
Key to this technology is the strategic use of time and space. Hybrid and japonica rice are planted with a 7-10 day maturity difference and a height gap of 15-20 cm, allowing optimal use of sunlight, water, and nutrients. Selecting suitable varieties is crucial—hybrid rice should be high-yielding, disease-resistant, and mid-maturing, while japonica rice should be short-stemmed, high in amylopectin, and resistant to lodging. Varieties such as Fuyou 101 and Jingjing No. 6 are ideal for intercropping, creating a balanced ecosystem that enhances productivity.
Timely sowing and synchronized transplanting ensure that both rice types grow harmoniously. Hybrid rice seedlings are dry-planted, while japonica rice requires two seedlings per hill. Proper soil preparation and fertilization are also essential, using organic matter and balanced mineral inputs. Planting density must be carefully managed to avoid competition, typically around 16,000 hills per mu for hybrid rice and 1,000-1,200 for japonica.
Field management involves precise water control and efficient nutrient application to prevent excessive tillering and reduce disease risks. Pest and disease prevention focuses on rice blast, sheath blight, and aphids, with regular monitoring and variety rotation to avoid pathogen buildup. Finally, timely harvesting ensures that japonica rice is collected before it affects hybrid rice, preserving grain quality and minimizing losses.
This integrated approach has proven highly effective, offering sustainable solutions that boost both yield and farmer income while protecting the environment.