Organic fertilization program for rice
Complete organic fertilization program for rice based on BBCH phenological stages. Tillering and panicle initiation are the critical phases where nitrogen nutrition and biostimulants determine the number of fertile tillers, spikelet fertility and filled grain percentage. Validated in field trials in Philippines (+18%), Seville (+15%) and Vietnam (+16%).
All listed products are certified CE 2018/848, NOP USDA and JAS — suitable for certified organic production
Application calendar by phenological phase
Pre-sowing / transplanting
BBCH 00-13Products
Dose
PHOSMAX 20: 3 L/ha · TERRA HUMID: 5 L/ha
Objective
Prepare flooded soil, stimulate germination and initial rooting
Tillering
BBCH 21-29Products
Dose
NITROTECH 16: 6-8 kg/ha · BOOST UNIVERSAL: 2-3 L/ha
Objective
Maximize fertile tiller number and stimulate root system under flooding
Stem elongation
BBCH 30-39Products
Dose
NITROTECH 2.5: 4 L/ha · NITROTECH 16: 4 kg/ha
Objective
Nitrogen top-dressing for stem elongation and panicle formation
Panicle initiation (booting)
BBCH 51-59Products
Dose
BOOST UNIVERSAL: 3 L/ha · MICRO PLUS 1-0-0: 2 L/ha
Objective
Stimulate panicle development, supply micronutrients for floral differentiation
Heading and flowering
BBCH 61-69Products
Dose
BOOST UNIVERSAL: 2-3 L/ha
Objective
Protect pollen from heat stress and improve spikelet fertility
Grain filling
BBCH 71-89Products
Dose
K-FLOW 20: 4 L/ha · PK-FLOW 20: 3 L/ha
Objective
Maximize filled grain percentage and rice hectoliter weight
| Phase | BBCH | Products | Dose | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-sowing / transplanting | BBCH 00-13 | PHOSMAX 20: 3 L/ha · TERRA HUMID: 5 L/ha | Prepare flooded soil, stimulate germination and initial rooting | |
| Tillering | BBCH 21-29 | NITROTECH 16: 6-8 kg/ha · BOOST UNIVERSAL: 2-3 L/ha | Maximize fertile tiller number and stimulate root system under flooding | |
| Stem elongation | BBCH 30-39 | NITROTECH 2.5: 4 L/ha · NITROTECH 16: 4 kg/ha | Nitrogen top-dressing for stem elongation and panicle formation | |
| Panicle initiation (booting) | BBCH 51-59 | BOOST UNIVERSAL: 3 L/ha · MICRO PLUS 1-0-0: 2 L/ha | Stimulate panicle development, supply micronutrients for floral differentiation | |
| Heading and flowering | BBCH 61-69 | BOOST UNIVERSAL: 2-3 L/ha | Protect pollen from heat stress and improve spikelet fertility | |
| Grain filling | BBCH 71-89 | K-FLOW 20: 4 L/ha · PK-FLOW 20: 3 L/ha | Maximize filled grain percentage and rice hectoliter weight |
Complete program
Download the rice fertilization program
PDF with complete BBCH table, doses and product sheets
FAQs about organic rice fertilization
How many nitrogen applications does organic rice need?
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Organic rice typically requires 2-3 fractional nitrogen inputs: one at tillering (most critical phase for tiller number), one at stem elongation (for panicle) and, on low-reserve soils, a third at early heading. NITROTECH 16 at tillering and NITROTECH 2.5 at stem elongation structure an efficient program for the main rice varieties.
Why is tillering the most critical phase in rice?
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During tillering (BBCH 21-29), the number of fertile stems per plant is defined — the most determining parameter of final yield, as each tiller can produce a panicle with 100-150 spikelets. Adequate nitrogen and biostimulant supply at this phase can increase the number of productive tillers by 20-30%, with direct impact on the harvest.
What is different about the rice program compared to other cereals?
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Rice requires special attention at the panicle-heading phase (BBCH 51-69), which in other cereals is less critical from a heat stress perspective. Rice flowering is very sensitive to temperatures above 35°C, making anti-stress biostimulant application at that window essential. The program also incorporates products specific for soils under anaerobic conditions (flooding) such as TERRA HUMID.
Part of the Ecoganic crop program