Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an agro-ecological methodology developed to increase the yield of irrigated rice.
It focuses on changing the management of plants, soil, water, and nutrients to encourage robust root growth and healthier plants, rather than relying on high-input synthetic chemicals. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us review the key principles of the SRI method:
1.Reduced age of seedling transplanting (D): SRI uses very young, single seedlings (typically 8 to 12 days old, with only 2 leaves) instead of older seedlings (21 to 30 days old) used in traditional flooded systems.
This preserves the seedling's growth potential.
Thus, (D) applies to SRI.
2.Reduced plant density (B): Seedlings are transplanted singly at a wide, square spacing (usually \( 25\text{ cm} \times 25\text{ cm} \)) rather than in dense, crowded clusters.
This reduces plant density and gives roots more space to expand.
Thus, (B) applies to SRI.
3.Reduced water application (A): Instead of keeping fields continuously flooded, SRI uses alternate wetting and drying (AWD) to keep the soil moist but not saturated.
This promotes aerobic soil conditions and healthier root systems.
Thus, (A) applies to SRI.
4.Nutrient Management: SRI emphasizes the use of organic manures, compost, and vermicompost to build soil organic matter and support soil biology.
It discourages the intensive use of synthetic chemical fertilizers.
Therefore, increased application of chemical fertilizers (C) does not apply to SRI. Step 2: Final Answer:
The practice of increased application of chemical fertilizers does not apply to the SRI method of paddy cultivation.
