Table 3 Components of Rice Check in Malaysian rice production

F1

Check 1: determination of soil suitability

1

Engage extension officers to assess soil acidity within the optimal pH range of 5.5–6.0

2

Are you aware of the acidity levels in the rice paddy soil?

3

Execute liming procedures prior to planting

F2

Check 2: paddy field condition

4

Each paddy field equipped with an inlet and outlet water channel

5

Each paddy field equipped with water control structure

6

The width of the paddy field is 30–45 cm with a height of 15–20 cm

7

The farm road is strong and non-leaking to control water in rice paddies and reduce rodent breeding grounds

8

The farm road cleared of weeds to prevent the host to pests

9

Irrigation systems, water drainage, and water control structures well functioning

10

The width of the farm road at least 4.5 m

F3

Check 3: soil preparation

11

Controlled burning of hay

12

Utilization of straw compost to enhance soil fertility

13

Clearing the paddy field of straw, stumps, weeds, sweet potato, and wind rice prior to plowing

14

Monitor of all tractor operations to ensure meticulous execution of land preparation activities

F3i

Soil preparation activity: plowing

15

Soil plowing conducted 30 days before planting (dry conditions)

16

Plowing performed 7–10 days before planting (dry or wet conditions)

17

Plowing carried out 1–2 days before planting (wet conditions)

F4

Check 4: cultivation

18

Use valid rice seeds certified by the Department of Agriculture

19

Selecting rice varieties based on the suitability of the paddy field

20

Employing the direct sow method for planting

21

Soaking seeds for 24 h after cleaning

22

Administering seed treatment for disease-prone rice varieties

23

Fermenting soaked seeds for 24–48 h in a covered area

24

Ensuring leveling and saturation of rice paddy soil with water prior to sowing

25

Sowing seeds using a sprayer

F5

Check 5: fertilization management

26

First stage fertilization

Compound fertilizer

Triple super phosphate (additional fertilizer)

Muriate of potash (additional fertilizer)

27

Second stage fertilization

Urea

28

Third stage fertilization

Compound fertilizer

Compound fertilizer (additional)

Urea 46%

29

Fourth stage fertilization

Compound fertilizer (additional)

F6

Check 6: water management

30

Water added to rice fields according to the irrigation schedule issued by the relevant agency

31

Presence of a water lane to expedite irrigation and drainage

32

Gradual increase in water depth in the paddy field

33

Soil left saturated after 7 days of sowing

34

Water depth maintained at 5–7 cm after 7–10 days of sowing

35

Water depth maintained at 5–7 cm after 15–40 days of sowing

36

Water depth maintained at 5–10 cm after 40–90 days of sowing

37

Water released 10–14 days before harvest

F7

Check 7: integrated pest management

38

Spray herbicide before the first plowing

39

Spray pre-germination herbicide after sowing the seeds

40

Conduct herbicide spraying according to the schedule based on the Clearfield Production System Guide

41

Spray herbicide before the reproductive stage

42

Manually remove weeds (weeding process) at the pollination stage

43

Perform pest control following the integrated pest management (IPM) method

44

Spray insecticides before 40 Days Past Sowing (DPS)

F8

Check 8: harvest management

45

Dry paddy fields 10–14 days before harvest

46

Harvest rice when 85–90% of the grains on the stalk are yellow

47

Harvest in a dry and dew-free environment between 11 am and 6 pm

48

Clean the harvester to ensure it is free of wind rice, weeds, and snails before use

49

Monitor the operation of the harvester to prevent yield loss and ensure rice quality

50

Adjust the boom on the rake, cutter, and fan for efficient operation

51

Cut the rice plant at 1/3 of the height from the tip

52

Align the harvest width to ¾ of the cutting table width

53

Operate the gate at medium speed

54

Use a mini harvester for soft ground areas

F9

Check 9: post-harvest management

55

Covering the truck with canvas for protection

56

Ensuring the floor and walls are leak-proof to prevent yield loss

57

Transporting harvested rice to the drying complex within 24 h

58

Farmers are present during the rice grading process

F10

Check 10: environmental management

59

Use pesticides recommended and registered with the Pesticides Board only

60

Read and adhere to all information on the pesticide label before use

61

Repeat weed control if necessary

66

Use pesticides with different modes of action

67

Do not drain water from the paddy fields after pesticide spraying

68

Clean and puncture pesticide containers before sending them to the disposal center