System Of Rice Intensification Method Research Articles

Estimating Impact of Conventional and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Methods of Rice Production Management on Sustainable Livelihood Generation in the Context of Climate Change in Maharashtra, India: A Factor Analysis

The global agricultural community has been preparing to face the imminent threat posed by climate change as projections by scientific communities complement the fact that food production will be affected adversely in the near future. The Indian subcontinent has not been explicit about the effects of natural disasters like floods and cyclones caused due to climatic changes. The aberrant weather patterns along with the inconsistent output of monsoon create unprecedented challenges for the rice-dominated farming system to thrive. It directly impacts the livelihood of the farmers making them economically vulnerable. Thus, it has become necessary for the research community to explore different causal dimensions related to rice production and suggest remedies for the constantly changing agroecosystem. This study aimed to investigate different indicators of impact on sustainable livelihood generation through rice production management in light of climate change in both conventional as well as SRI methods of rice production. An ex post facto research design was adopted for conducting the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the state, district, and talukas keeping in view the backwardness and agricultural status of the area of the study. Using a simple random sampling method, two hundred (200) respondents were selected from two talukas of the Bhandara district of Maharashtra. In case of results found in conventional method of rice production, the variables, Water management, Farm size, Education, Irrigation index%, Selling% and Risk orientation have contributed 9.996 per cent of variance and clubbed into Factor 1. On the other hand, in the case of SRI method, Factor 1 has the following variables i.e., Farm size, Family income primary, Education, Primary occupation, Mass media exposure, Family education status and Sowing time which has contributed 9.54 per cent of variance and has been renamed as ‘Family capability’.

Root Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Soil Enzyme Activity Influenced by Aerobic, System of Rice Intensification and Conventional Method of Irrigation in Rice

Background: The plant roots pay a vital role in the uptake of water and nutrients. This experiment evaluated the changes in root growth and soil enzyme activity with respect to different rice cultivation methods. Methods: The study was carried out during Kuruvai (July-November) 2022 at Wetlands farm, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Experiments were carried out with five treatments viz., T1- 100% Saturation under drip irrigation, T2- 150% Saturation under drip irrigation T3- 200% Saturation under drip irrigation, T4- System of Rice Intensification (SRI), T5- Conventional method. Result: The result of the experiment shows that higher root growth, enzyme activity was observed in SRI method of rice cultivation. Higher grain yields were recorded in SRI method. It can be concluded that most favourable method of rice production.

The Effects of Substituting Straw Compost for NPK Fertilizer On Field Rice Growth and Yield Using The SRI (System of Rice Intensification) Method

With an agroecological philosophy, the SRI (System of Rice Intensification) technique is a rice production technology approach that prioritizes soil, plant, and water management through local expertise and group empowerment based on environmentally beneficial activities. The purpose of this study is to investigate lowland rice growth and yield by using composted straw instead of NPK fertilizer. Implemented in Tara-Tara II village, West Tomohon sub-district for 5 (five) months with one factor treatment, namely the ratio of NPK fertilizer dose and straw compost dose: 100% NPK + straw compost 0% straw compost (P0), 75% NPK + 25% straw compost (P1), 50% NPK + 50% straw compost (P2), 25% NPK + 75% straw compost (P3), and 0% NPK + 100% straw compost (P4). The variables observed included: plant height, number of fodder, number of panicles/clumps, weight of 100 harvested dry grains, number of grains/panicles, percentage of smooth grains/clumps and harvested dry grain yield. Substitution of NPK fertilizer with compost straw has no effect on the height of lowland rice plants using the SRI (System of Rice Intensification) method, but does affect the number of productive tillers. The highest number of productive tillers was found in P2 (50% NPK + 50% straw compost), P3 (25% NPK + 75% straw compost) and P4 (0% NPK + 100% straw compost), with an average value of 31, respectively. 27; 28.20 and 27.53 tillers, while treatment P3 (25% NPK + 75% straw compost) and lower values in treatments P0 (100% NPK + 0% straw compost) and P1 (75% NPK + 25% straw compost ) with an average value of 25.83; and 25.67 offspring.
  
 Keywords: System of Rice Intensification (SRI), rice, straw compost.

Pertumbuhan Tanaman Padi Payo Kerinci Menggunakan System of Rice Intensification (SRI)

Payo Kerinci Rice is one of the germplasms whose existence must be maintained. This rice is one of the local rice varieties, which is quite rare. Payo rice has a relatively high economic value compared to other rice varieties. This is due to the unique and fragrant taste of the rice, so it is very popular with the public. Increased growth is one of the initial stages in projecting success in rice plant productivity. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method is hoped to provide an alternative for farmers in cultivating Payo Kerinci rice. The research method was carried out experimentally using divided plots by comparing the SRI and Conventional methods. The growth parameters observed were plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, number of tillers, plant height, and root length. The research results show that the SRI method provides efficiency in the need for seeds in Payo Kerinci Rice cultivation. The Payo Kerinci rice plants using the SRI single seedling method grew more than the conventional method for all observed variables.

IMPACT OF FRONTLINE DEMONSTRATION OF SRI METHOD IN RICE ON PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY

Gujarat Vidyapith, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)-Valsad conducted an impact study during the year 2020-21 to 2022-23 with the 120 frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on system of rice intensification (SRI) technique in paddy crop on farmer`s field in six villages of Valsad district with improved variety “Sardar” release from Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat. Result of study showed SRI method of rice cultivation, increased overall, 23.62 percent in mean grain yield as compared to farmer practice, recorded mean of technology gap was 910 kg ha-1 whereas extension gap and technology index were observed 780 kg ha-1 and 18.2 % respectively. High mean gross return (61,350 Rs.ha-1) and mean net return (27,637 Rs.ha-1) as well as BC ratio (1.82) were found higher under demonstration plots. The results of FLDs revealed that SRI technique is far better than conventional technique of rice cultivation. SRI can be a way to enhance sustain productivity and profitability of rice growers of Valsad district of Gujarat.

Utilizing the Genetic Potentials of Traditional Rice Varieties and Conserving Rice Biodiversity with System of Rice Intensification Management

The genetic potentials of rice cultivars will need to be expressed to their fullest if global rice production is to be expanded enough by 2050 to meet the increased demand of the expanding population while the availability of land and water per capita dwindles. New and ‘improved’ rice varieties have contributed greatly to increased production over the past 50 years, but the rate of rice yield increase based on genetic changes has declined in recent decades compared with the early years of the Green Revolution. In fact, many rice consumers continue to prefer to consume ‘traditional’ rice varieties (referred to also as local, native, unimproved, or indigenous varieties) because of their taste, aroma, texture, and other qualities. Furthermore, many farmers prefer to cultivate these varieties because of their better adaptation to local climatic and soil conditions and their evolved resistance to endemic stresses. The practices that comprise the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), including transplanting rice seedlings at a young age, wide spacing between plants, keeping the soil well aerated rather than inundated, and enhancing soil organic matter, provide traditional rice varieties with micro-environments that are more favorable for the expression of their genetic and agronomic potentials. Interactions among rice plants, soil characteristics, water, energy, and other inputs improve the phenotypic and physiological performance of rice plants. This paper considers how the cultivation of traditional rice varieties with SRI methods can raise yields, reduce farmers’ costs of production, and generate higher incomes while contributing to the conservation of rice biodiversity.

Differential Response of Rhizosphere Microbial Diversity and Activities to System of Rice Intensification and Conventional Cultivation

Rice holds a vital position among staple crops worldwide, serving as a primary source of essential nutrition for a significant portion of the global population. Rice production is currently plagued by several problems causing a decline in crop yields. System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a set of farming practices designed to improve the productivity and sustainability of rice cultivation. One of the reasons for the sustainability of SRI has been attributed to enhanced below-ground soil microbial processes around the SRI plant root system. This study assessed the effect of SRI and Normal Transplanting (NTP) cultivation methods on rhizospheric soil microbial populations, phyto-hormones, soil enzyme activities under four different nitrogen (N) treatments under a station trial and in on-farms experiments farmer’s. Rhizosphere soils and root samples of SRI exhibited significantly higher microbial population, microbial diversity, phyto - hormone production, enzyme activities in station trail. Among different levels of nitrogen fertilizer applications, treatments receiving 50% organic + 50% inorganic N forms possessed significantly higher microbiota and their activities. On farm trials also exhibited similar trends as the station trial. In conclusion, the study highlights the positive effects of SRI cultivation combined with a balanced organic and inorganic nitrogen treatment on soil microbial populations and phyto-hormone production and soil enzyme activities which could have an influence of system sustainability.

Penerapan Metode System of Rice Intensification (SRI) dalam Upaya Peningkatan Produksi dan Peningkatan Kesejahteraan Petani Kecamatan Sakti

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method has become a popular approach in rice cultivation aimed at increasing rice crop productivity and farmers' welfare. This study aims to analyse the implementation of the SRI method in efforts to increase rice production and improve the welfare of the farmer in Subdistrict Sakti. The study employs a qualitative method. Data collection is conducted through in-depth interviews with rice farmers who apply the SRI method in Subdistrict Sakti. The results of the study show that the implementation of the SRI method in Subdistrict Sakti has a positive impact on rice production. The average rice production of farmers who apply the SRI method significantly increased compared to those using conventional methods. The SRI method is able to enhance crop productivity by utilizing efficient management related to the use of quality seeds, appropriate fertilization, effective water management, and good weed control. The income of farmers applying the SRI method has increased, directly contributing to their improved welfare. Furthermore, the SRI method also helps reduce farmers' dependency on external inputs such as chemical fertilizers, reducing production costs and positively impacting environmental sustainability. Therefore, it is recommended that local governments and relevant institutions provide policy support and technical assistance to farmers in widely implementing the SRI method.

Evaluation of Growth and Yield Parameters of Rice under Different Cultivation Methods

Background: Water is the most important environmental factor for sustainability of rice production. Traditionally rice was cultivated by continuous flooding. Due to global climate change and rapid industrialization and urbanization, the amount of water utilised for agriculture is declining which increases the water scarcity for irrigated rice production. Methods: The present experiment was carried out during Kuruvai (July-November) 2022 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Experiments were carried out with five treatments viz., T1- 100 % Saturation under drip irrigation, T2 – 150 % Saturation under drip irrigation T3 – 200 % Saturation under drip irrigation, T4 – System of Rice Intensification (SRI), T5 – Conventional method. Result: Results of the experiment showed that growth parameters was higher in SRI method and this was on par with conventinal method. SRI method recorded significantly higher yield parameters and grain yield. From the above results, it can be concluded that. SRI method performed well compared to different method of cultivation due to the synergistic effects of various cultivation principles followed in this method.

Evaluating the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms in the system of rice intensification performance with Trichoderma-rice plant symbiosis as a model system.

The system of rice intensification (SRI) is an extensively-researched and increasingly widely-utilized methodology for alleviating current constraints on rice production. Many studies have shown physiological and morphological improvements in rice plants induced by SRI management practices to be very similar to those that are associated with the presence of beneficial microbial endophytes in or around rice plants, especially their roots. With SRI methods, grain yields are increased by 25-100% compared to conventional methods, and the resulting plant phenotypes are better able to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. SRI management practices have been shown to be associated with significant increases in the populations of certain microorganisms known to enhance soil health and plant growth, e.g., Azospirillum, Trichoderma, Glomus, and Pseudomonas. This article evaluates the effects of applying Trichoderma as a model microbe for assessing microbial growth-promotion, biological control activity, and modulation of gene expression under the conditions created by SRI practices. Information about the molecular changes and interactions associated with certain effects of SRI management suggests that these practices are enhancing rice plants' expression of their genetic potentials. More systematic studies that assess the effects of SRI methods respectively and collectively, compared with standard rice production methods, are needed to develop a more encompassing understanding of how SRI modifications of crops' growing environment elicit and contribute to more robust and more productive phenotypes of rice.

An Assessment of Net Returns from Rice Production Practiced through Conventional and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Methods in the Light of Climate Change in Bhandara District of Maharashtra, India

Indian farming witnessed surplus production of cereals along with other food commodities. The production of rice across the Indian subcontinent has a subsistent impact on achieving food security and attaining judicious socio-economic growth for the farming community. However, it also faces certain challenges and difficulties. The phenomenon of climate change has been creating a menace against the sustainable growth of food crops. Due to this, it has become necessary to assess the economic impact of farmers practicing rice crops in terms of net returns from rice. By applying ex post facto research design, this study aimed to estimate the inter and intra-level of interaction between sets of predicted variables, Net returns from rice (both conventional and SRI methods), and predictor variables (x1-x35) and to generate policy at the micro-level. To conduct the study, the State, District, Blocks, and Villages were selected using purposive sampling techniques. Two hundred (200) respondents were selected from two talukas of the Bhandara district of Maharashtra using a simple random sampling method. For the purpose of data analysis, following statistical tools were used: Coefficient of Correlation, Stepwise regression analysis and Path analysis. The correlation coefficients found that farmers having a higher level of education have been showcasing higher net returns from rice produced by conventional methods. Regression results implied that 35 causal variables together have contributed 32 percent and 83.8 percent of the variance in the consequent variable, net returns from rice (y) practiced by conventional and SRI methods respectively. The results of a path analysis revealed that the variable farm size has got the highest indirect individual effect on net returns from rice practiced by both the conventional and SRI methods. 

Impact of different crop establishment methods on yield attributes, yields and economics of rice: A comparative study

A field study was conducted during the kharif season of 2022 to investigate the effect of different rice production systems on yield attributes, crop yields and economics. The experiment was laid in randomized block design with three replications, encompassing seven treatments. Three treatments involved transplanting methods viz., system of rice intensification (SRI), mechanical transplanting and conventional transplanting. The remaining four treatments were direct seeded rice (DSR) treatments viz., wet DSR (drum seeding), wet DSR (broadcasting), dry converted wet rice (broadcasting) and dry converted wet rice (line sowing). The results showed that the yield attributes viz. panicles m-2, panicle length and weight, filled grains panicle-1, fertility percentage and grain yield were significantly higher in wet DSR (drum seeding) followed by dry converted wet rice (line sowing), SRI method. In terms of economic analysis, wet DSR (drum seeding) exhibited the highest gross returns, net returns and benefit-cost ratio (B:C ratio). On the other hand, the dry converted wet rice (broadcasting) method showcased the lowest yield attributes, grain yield, net returns, and B:C ratio among all the crop establishment methods. Based on the findings, it is recommended to adopt either wet DSR (drum seeding), dry converted wet rice (line sowing) and SRI method during the kharif season to achieve maximum yield and economic returns.

Effect of System of Rice Intensification Practices in Increasing the Yield of Traditional Varieties of Rice

The experiment to evaluate the “Effect of SRI (System of Rice Intensification) practices in increasing the yield of traditional varieties of rice was carried out in the samba season of 2022 at south farm in Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Division of Agronomy, Coimbatore. The soil of the experimental field was clay loam, moderately drained low in available N 212 kg ha-1), high (17.4 kg ha-1) medium K (410 kg ha-1) level of organic carbon (0.73%). The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design and replicated three times. The treatments consisted of 7 rice varieties namely Illupaipoo samba (T1), Vaalan samba (T2), Mysore malli (T3), Thanga samba (T4), Thooyamalli (T5), Kitcheli samba (T6) and Bhavani (T7). The Data collected includes the yield attributes of different traditional rice varieties and was analyzed using analysis of variance. In the recent past, research on the country's rice crop has mostly been concentrated on increasing output, crop resilience to pests and diseases, and has given little attention to cultivating the traditional rice varieties or management options for better establishment and production. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct SRI technique experiments with a few chosen rice varieties in order to gather data and provide guidance on the best variety to choose for the production of high-quality rice and its commercialization The results showed that the variety Thanga samba (T4) produced significantly higher grain yield of 6564 kg ha-1 and registered a yield increase ranging from 12 to 63 per cent over the other varieties under evaluation. The highest net return of 176472 ₹ ha-1 with B:C ratio of 2.6 was realised under the variety Thanga samba (T4). In conclusion the variety Thanga samba (T4) performed better under SRI method of cultivation.

SRI 2.0 and Beyond: Sequencing the Protean Evolution of the System of Rice Intensification

As the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) has evolved in many ways and in several directions over the past two decades, this review follows the software-naming convention of labeling SRI’s different and subsequent versions as SRI 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, etc. In agroecology as with software, variants are not necessarily linear and can establish new directions as well as the further evolution of existing ones. This overview reviews how rainfed SRI, direct-seeded SRI, mechanized SRI, and other modifications of the initial SRI methodology have emerged since 2000, and how versions of SRI have been improvised to improve the production of other crops beyond rice, like wheat, finger millet, maize, and sugar cane. SRI thinking and practices are also being incorporated into diversified farming systems, broadening the logic and impact of SRI beyond monoculture rice cultivation, and SRI methods are also being used to achieve broader objectives like the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the conservation of biodiversity. SRI observations and research have been contributing to the crop and soil sciences by focusing attention on plant roots and soil ecology and by showing how crop management can elicit more desirable phenotypes from a given genotype. Cooperation regarding SRI among farmers, civil-society actors, scientists, private sector agents, governments, and funding agencies has begun introducing noteworthy changes within the agricultural sector, and this collaboration is expected to deepen and expand.

Insect Pest Incidence with the System of Rice Intensification: Results of a Multi-Location Study and a Meta-Analysis

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) developed in Madagascar has spread to many parts of the world, including India. This study assessing insect pest prevalence on rice grown with SRI vs. conventional methods at multiple locations in India was prompted by reports that SRI-managed rice plants are healthier and more resistant to pest and disease damage. Field experiments were conducted under the All-India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project over a 5-year period. The split-plot design assessed both cultivation methods and different cultivars, hybrids and improved varieties. Across the eight locations, SRI methods of cultivation showed a lower incidence of stem borer, planthoppers, and gall midge compared to conventional methods. Whorl maggots and thrips, on the other hand, were observed to be higher. Grain yield was significantly higher with SRI management across all locations. Higher ash, cellulose, hemicellulose, as well as silica content in rice plants under SRI management could explain at least in part the SRI plants’ resistance to pest damage. Analysis of guild composition revealed that in SRI plots, there were more natural enemies (insect predators and parasitoids) present and fewer crop pests (phytophages). A meta-analysis that considered other published research on this subject revealed a lower incidence of dead hearts, white ear-heads, and leaf folders, along with higher grain yield, in SRI plots.

ANALISIS PENGARUH METODE SRI DAN KONVENSIONAL TERHADAP LUAS LAYANAN IRIGASI PADA BENDUNGAN MENINTING

The biggest water demand is in the agricultural sector. This great need is caused by the irrigation system with continuous inundation (conventional). One of the water-saving irrigation methods is the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method. The SRI method of giving water is done intermittently. One of the obstacles to the application of the SRI method is a continuous water source. The dam is one of the water sources whose water availability is relatively easy to manage, making it suitable for irrigation applications using the SRI method. This study aims to analyze the provision of irrigation water for SRI and conventional systems at the Meninting Dam and its effect on the area of irrigation services. In this study, an analysis of water availability was carried out using awlr data, an analysis of irrigation water requirements using the conventional method and the SRI method. Reservoir simulation analysis is used to determine the area that can be irrigated, planting intensity and reservoir reliability. The results for the conventional method of irrigated area that can be served are 1,559 ha with a planting intensity of 300% and a reservoir reliability of 95.83%. At the same intensity and reliability as the conventional method, the SRI method can irrigate 1,980 ha of irrigation area, so using the SRI method can increase the service area by 421 ha or can increase the service area by 27%.

Comparative Analysis of Different Nitrogen Treatments on Yield and Its Attributes in SRI and Conventional Cultivation

The current study reveals the effect of inconsistent nitrogen treatments on yield and yield attributes in the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and conventional practices when compared during Kharif 2018 and 2019. Growth parameters like plant height, tillers per plant, yield attributes viz; length of panicle, number of filled and unfilled grains per panicle, test weight, straw yield, and harvest index were compared under both conventional and SRI methods. Subplots comprising four nitrogen management practices like control (N1),100% organic (N2), 50% organic+50% inorganic (N3) 100% inorganic (N4) were taken. The maximal yield was recorded in SRI (5265 kg ha-1) than conventional cultivation i.e., Normal Transplanting (4168 kg ha-1). Among the nitrogen management practices 50% inorganic + 50% organic treatments (N3) showed better performance when compared to 100% inorganic (N4), followed by 100% organic (N2) and control (N1). The pooled analysis of grain yield was observed to be highest in the N3 treatment (5551 kg ha-1), followed by N4 (5185 kg ha-1), N2 (4988 kg ha-1), and control N1 (3142 kg ha-1). A similar pattern was also seen pertaining to the yield attributes.

Comparison of Rice Cultivars (Oryza sativa. L.) under SRI and Normal Transplanting Method for Resource Conservation and Productivity Enhancement in Irrigated System

An experiment was conducted at the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) farm, ICRISAT for three consecutive kharif and rabi seasons from 2016 to 2018 to evaluate varieties under System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and Normal Transplanting (NTP) method. A total of 46 cultivars including hybrids (10), High yielding varieties (HYVs) (28) and elite cultures (8) were tested. Data pooled over years and seasons indicated that SRI was significantly superior in terms of number of tillers, number of panicles per square meter, days for 50% flowering and grain yield with low inputs viz; energy, man power and irrigation. Hybrids, HYVs and elite culture recorded a grain yield of 6.54 t/ha, 5.65 t/ha and 5.50 t/ha under SRI as compared to 5.13, 4.59 and 4.58 t/ha, respectively under NTP, thereby indicating that SRI excelled NTP in grain yield. Pooled data of six seasons, three years among the cultivars indicated that SRI recorded higher grain yield (5.90 t/ha) over NTP (4.77 t/ha) with mean percent grain yield increase of 23.4%. Intensification method was also promising over conventional transplanting in terms of energy use efficiency (SRI 10.17% over NTP 6.20%) and economy parameters (B:C ratio 2.0 in SRI and 1.20 in NTP). Water productivity was higher in SRI (7.08 kg/mm/ha) than NTP (3.93 kg/mm/ha).

Actionable Policy Options for Scaling-Up System of Rice Intensification for Ensuring Higher Productivity, Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Rice Production

Globally, India stands first in rice area and second in rice production. To feed the growing population, rice production has to be increased amid strong competition for limited resources including land. Also, concerns have been raised about yield gaps in rice. The system of rice intensification is one of the strategies to narrow the yield gaps. Rice is the major crop in India, therefore, the identification of an energy-efficient rice cultivation system is important to food security and sustainable intensification (SI). Hence, a comparison was made between conventional and the system of rice intensification (SRI) methods of rice cultivation by conducting two experiments. One field experiment was conducted from 2013 to 2017 at 25 locations across India under the All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project and another experiment was conducted in 2017 using surveys by collecting data from 262 randomly selected SRI farmers using a personal interview method in the Telangana state of India. The 5-year experimental data revealed that the SRI method of cultivation produced higher rice grain yield (up to 55%) compared to the conventional transplanting method. Survey data revealed that total costs of rice production reduced by 22.71% under SRI. Break even output under SRI was reduced by 58.1%. Adoption of SRI saved total energy inputs by 4350 MJ/ ha. The energy productivities were 0.16 kg/MJ and 0.21 kg/MJ for conventional and SRI methods, respectively. Therefore, for ensuring higher productivity, net returns, energy efficiency and sustainable rice production it is recommended to adopt an environmentally friendly SRI method of crop establishment in the Telangana region of India. Based on the constraints as perceived by the farmers, policy options for scaling up of SRI are suggested.

Effects of Alternate Wetting and Drying Water Levels and Planting Methods on Performance of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) and Selected Soil Properties in a Nigerian Sudan Savanna

This study was conducted to determine the effect of changing the depths of water and planting methods on soil properties and rice yields under alternate wetting and drying (AWD) in the Systems of Rice Intensification (SRI). The treatments consisted of four irrigation levels and four planting methods. The irrigation treatments included 4 water drop levels (WDL) in observation well: 6 cm, 10 cm, 14 cm water drop levels below the soil surface and continuous flooding with 5 cm layer of water above soil. Four planting methods included seed drilling, broadcasting, transplanting 12 day old seedling and transplanting 21 day-old seedlings. Lowland rice (FARO 44) was established in randomized complete block design. Alternate wetting and drying at 6 and 14 cm WDL showed 14.27 % and 11.59 % increase in total porosity respectively, when compared with initial soil total porosity. All plots showed a decrease in bulk density compared with initial soil bulk density. Paddy yield for irrigation treatments ranged between 6.03-9.92 t ha-1, with AWD at 10 cm WDL having highest yield of 9.92 t ha-1, the lowest was observed in the continuously flooded plots (6.03t ha-1). System of rice intensification method of transplanting was observed to yield 10.08 t ha-1 of paddy and showed percentage increases in paddy yields by 26.3%, 69.9% and 33.5% over conventional transplanting (21 day seedling), broadcasting and drilling, respectively. This study showed the superiority of using younger seedlings in transplanting and 10cm water drop level in the observation well for increased food security and income.