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 the flooded soil and stimulate germination and early rooting
Tillering
BBCH 21-29Products
Dose
NITROTECH 16: 6-8 kg/ha · BOOST UNIVERSAL: 2-3 L/ha
Objective
Maximise the number of fertile tillers and stimulate the root system under flooding
Stem elongation
BBCH 30-39Products
Dose
NITROTECH 2.5: 4 L/ha · NITROTECH 16: 4 kg/ha
Objective
Nitrogen topdressing 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
Support panicle development and 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
Maximise the percentage of filled grains and the test weight of the rice
| Phase | BBCH | Products | Dose | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-sowing / transplanting | BBCH 00-13 | PHOSMAX 20: 3 L/ha · TERRA HUMID: 5 L/ha | Prepare the flooded soil and stimulate germination and early rooting | |
| Tillering | BBCH 21-29 | NITROTECH 16: 6-8 kg/ha · BOOST UNIVERSAL: 2-3 L/ha | Maximise the number of fertile tillers and stimulate the root system under flooding | |
| Stem elongation | BBCH 30-39 | NITROTECH 2.5: 4 L/ha · NITROTECH 16: 4 kg/ha | Nitrogen topdressing 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 | Support panicle development and 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 | Maximise the percentage of filled grains and the test weight of the rice |
Complete program
Download the Rice fertilization program
PDF with complete BBCH table, doses and product sheets
FAQs about Rice fertilization
How many nitrogen applications does organic rice need?
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Organic rice usually needs 2-3 split nitrogen applications: one at tillering (the most critical stage for tiller number), one at stem elongation (for the panicle) and, on soils with low reserves, a third at the start of heading. NITROTECH 16 at tillering and NITROTECH 2.5 at stem elongation build an efficient programme for the main rice varieties.
Why is tillering the most critical stage in rice?
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Tillering (BBCH 21-29) sets the number of fertile stems per plant — the parameter that most determines final yield, since each tiller can carry a panicle with 100-150 spikelets. An adequate supply of nitrogen and biostimulant at this stage can raise the number of productive tillers by 20-30%, with a direct effect on the harvest.
How does the rice programme differ from that for other cereals?
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Rice needs particular attention at panicle initiation and heading (BBCH 51-69), a window that in other cereals is less critical from a heat-stress standpoint. Rice flowering is very sensitive to temperatures above 35 °C, which makes anti-stress biostimulants essential in that window. The programme also includes products suited to soils under anaerobic conditions (flooding), such as TERRA HUMID.
Part of the Ecoganic crop program