The importance of sprinkling fertilizer for rice in rice fields

A survey regarding the application of urea fertilizer was carried out in 2 (two) sub-districts, namely Meranti and Rawang Panca Arga, Asahan Regency, North Sumatra, from September to October 2015. The parameters observed were the method of spreading fertilizer, time of fertilization, frequency of fertilization, dose of urea fertilizer. , farmer's method, as well as the relationship of intermittent irrigation with urea fertilization. Based on the fertilizer application method, data was obtained that 100% of farmers applied fertilizer using a direct spreading system on the soil surface. Based on fertilization time, 87% of farmers fertilize urea around 06.30 – 08.30 WIB, 5% of farmers fertilize at 11.30 WIB, and 7% fertilize in the afternoon, namely at 16.30 WIB. 85% of farmers measure their own urea fertilizer according to their habits, while the other 5% follow the recommendations of the leaf color chart. 100% of farmers fertilize gradually. Providing information regarding appropriate urea fertilizer management is very necessary for farmers in an effort to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of urea absorption by lowland rice. Therefore, the role of agricultural extension institutions is very necessary to provide education regarding the appropriate management of urea fertilizer in paddy fields.