Does root cutting in seedlings before transplanting affect growth and yield of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.)?

Abstract

Lowland rice cultivation is just beginning to take root in much of Sub-Sahara Africa, but transplanting is unpopular as it is labor-intensive and labor is becoming scarce and expensive. A substantial share of labor and time goes into preparing rice seedlings before transplanting, including carefully uprooting and washing the seedlings to minimize root injury. This study examined whether cutting the roots of rice seedlings before transplanting affects growth and yield of lowland rice.