Introduction to BRRI Dhan 28
BRRI Dhan 28 is a popular rice variety developed by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI). Known for its short growth duration and high yield potential, it is primarily cultivated during the Boro season. This variety has gained significant popularity among farmers due to its robustness against varying climatic conditions and its ability to produce a substantial yield in a relatively short time frame.
Botanical Profile of BRRI Dhan 28
BRRI Dhan 28 is a cultivar of Rice, scientifically classified as Oryza sativa L. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is a short-duration variety maturing in approximately 140 days. The plant is semi-dwarf with an average plant height of 100 cm, which helps in lodging resistance. It produces slender, white grains with a high milling recovery rate.
Soil, pH, and Climate Requirements for BRRI Dhan 28
BRRI Dhan 28 thrives in fertile, well-drained alluvial soils but can adapt to a range of soil types with adequate fertility management.
| Factor | Ideal Conditions |
|---|---|
| Soil Type | Alluvial, Well-drained |
| Soil pH | 5.5 - 6.5 |
| Temperature | 25°C - 30°C |
| Rainfall | 1500 - 2000 mm (Growing Period) |
Step-by-Step Planting & Propagation
- Seed Selection & Treatment: Select certified, disease-free seeds. Treat seeds with fungicides to prevent seed-borne diseases.
- Nursery Preparation: Sow seeds densely in a well-prepared nursery bed. Maintain proper weed management and irrigation setup.
- Transplanting: Transplant 20-25 day-old seedlings to the main field with a spacing of 15x20 cm to discourage weed growth and ensure optimal growth.
- Direct Seeding (Alternative): For mechanized systems, direct seeding can be employed to reduce labor.
Care & Maintenance Regimes for BRRI Dhan 28
Proper care and maintenance are vital for optimal yield.
| Task | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Watering | Maintain 3-5 cm of standing water |
| Fertilizing | Basal: NPK (10:26:26); Top-dress with Urea at tillering and panicle initiation |
| Weeding | Mechanical or chemical, once within the first 30 days |
Pests, Diseases & Organic Management
BRRI Dhan 28 is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including Stem Borers and Leaf Blights. Integrated Pest Management is recommended using biological agents and organic pesticides.
- Spider Mites: Encourage natural predators like lady beetles.
- Fungal Issues: Neem oil and copper-based fungicides can help manage fungal pathogens.
- For a deeper understanding of pest management, refer to 7 Summer Pest Traps That Sabotage Small Farm Harvests.
Harvesting, Curing & Optimal Storage
- Harvest Timing: Harvest when grains are gold and firm.
- Threshing: Use mechanical threshers to expedite the process.
- Curing: Sun-dry paddy before storage to reduce moisture content to around 14%.
- Storage: Store in a dry, cool silo or warehouse to avoid pest infestations.
Companion Planting for BRRI Dhan 28
Companion planting with leguminous crops such as Sesame can improve soil nitrogen content and help deter pests naturally. For more insights on effective companion planting, explore Summer Companion Planting: 10 Organic Pairings to Boost Small Farm Resilience.