Which Soil Type Is Required To Grow Rice?

Rice is a very robust crop and contrary to the common myth that it's a plant that can exclusively be grown in paddy fields, it can also fair rather well in most soil types. The most notable exception is in fine, sandy soil. However, it is a very versatile plant so anything from a light soil through to a heavy earth is adequate, and soils with pH balances anywhere between 4 and 8 have been known to support rice crops.

As with a lot of myths though, there is some truth in the belief that rice should be grown in paddy fields; these are man-made marsh like conditions in which the rice plant will tend to thrive best. The most preferable conditions in which rice will grow are:

1. Clay soil - unlike a lot of crops, rice prefers clay as water cannot drain as easily through clay as it would other soil types.
2. Acidic soil - ideally measuring between a value of 5.5 and 6.5 on the pH scale.
3. In a flooded field (paddy) - this has a number of benefits

• It prevents the growth of weeds and other plants that would otherwise fight for soil nutrients and sunlight
• Water helps maintain a consistent temperature for the rice to grow
• Acts as a deterrent to insects and pest which could potentially harm the rice
• Reduces accumulation of salt and prevents soil depletion

4. Cultivated on a smooth, flat terrain in a warm, moist climate.

Although these are the ideal conditions for rice to grow, it's not the only way possible and perhaps a dry rice crop would be easier and more convenient for the home enthusiast. The website ehow.com offers instructions and guidance on how best to achieve this.

Regular soil

Clay

Clay