Question

Which of the following is true about the system of rice intensification ?
(A) Transplanting young seedlings usually 8-12 days old
(B) Planting single seeding rather than several seedlings
(C) Grown in non-puddled, aerobic soils under irrigation and high inputs
(D) Wide space planting

• A. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D).
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

A key feature of SRI is that it avoids constant flooding of paddy fields, promoting aerobic soil conditions that encourage root growth and reduce methane emissions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a climate-smart, resource-efficient agronomic methodology designed to increase rice yields while reducing input requirements.
It is based on a set of core plant, soil, water, and nutrient management practices.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each statement about the SRI methodology:
- Statement (A): In SRI, very young seedlings—usually $8\text{ to }12 \text{ days}$ old (at the 2-leaf stage)—are transplanted. This preserves their potential for high tillering and root growth. (True)
- Statement (B): SRI recommends planting a single seedling per hill instead of clump-planting multiple seedlings, reducing seed requirements and competition. (True)
- Statement (D): Seedlings are planted in a wider grid pattern (typically $25 \text{ cm} \times 25 \text{ cm}$) to optimize access to sunlight, nutrients, and air. (True)
- Statement (C): While SRI involves growing rice in non-flooded, moist soil conditions with intermittent wetting and drying (promoting root aeration), it does not require high inputs. In fact, SRI significantly reduces inputs (requiring up to $90\%$ fewer seeds, $30-50\%$ less water, and fewer chemical fertilizers). Therefore, the reference to "high inputs" makes this statement incorrect.
As a result, statements (A), (B), and (D) are correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (A), (B), and (D) only, corresponding to option (B).