Why is there moss in the seedling field?

Moss typically grows in shallow water banks and stagnant ponds.

Moss is an enemy to rice seedlings. It reproduces quickly, and when it proliferates, it forms a dense layer over the rice seeds, stealing nutrients intended for the seedlings and blocking sunlight and air, which impedes the seedlings’ growth. Sometimes, it can even cause root flipping and rotting of seedlings.

Seedling fields with shallow water and fertilizer are ideal environments for moss growth. If dirty water from stagnant ponds is used to irrigate the seedling fields, moss can be introduced with the water and rapidly multiply. Therefore, seedling fields should be irrigated with clean water and the water should be changed regularly. If water is left to stand, it encourages the growth of moss.

If a seedling field is damp and low-lying and has not been tilled over the winter, old moss roots left in the soil can lead to moss growth again the following year if the field is used again as a seedling field. Also, too much stable manure and feces in the seedling field can contribute to the problem, as these fertilizers cloud the water, facilitating moss growth. Therefore, excessive manure and feces should not be applied in seedling fields, and water should be drained regularly to inhibit the propagation of moss.