Rice Cultivation

Question 1

Name 4 ideal soil conditions for sake specific rice

Answer 1

1. Benefit from gluey substances deposited by both plants & small animals that help retain water
2. High % of clay particles that help retain water and limited fertilisers
3. Rich in nutrients especially nitrogen
4. Free of volcanic ash

Question 2

Name 2 ideal weather conditions for sake specific rice

Answer 2

1. Sunny & warm weather with ideal daytime temperatures of 22°C
2. High level of sunlight & cool nights of 9.5°C cooler at night

Question 3

How can windy weather affect rice cultivation?

Answer 3

1. Windy weather can disrupt fertilisation leading to fewer grains
2. High winds, especially during typhoon season, can damage rice plants

Question 4

How can overly cool temperatures affect rice cultivation?

Answer 4

Starch molecules become very branched rather than straight, making the rice too glutinous making it unfavourable for sake production

Question 5

How can overly hot temperatures affect rice cultivation?

Answer 5

If it’s too hot during ripening, nights are too warm or lack of sunlight, grains will struggle to ripen. Hence grains will have more protein making it more prone to cracking during polishing

Question 6

Name the 3 key dates of rice growing and what they represent

Answer 6

1. Late April to mid June: Transplanting seedlings into the fields
2. August to early September: Appearance of the ears of the grain
3. Late September to October: Harvesting, drying & removing of husks

Question 7

Name the 3 reasons for draining and re-flooding the rice fields

Answer 7

1. Vegetation that is submerged without oxygen creates poisonous gases & acid as it rots. This will disrupt the healthy growth of the rice plants
2. With oxygen, the rotting vegetation can decompose to provide nutrients to the plants
3. Drier periods slow vertical growth & the plants put more energy into creating larger grains. The rice develop stronger root systems so that they are able to support themselves better as the grain ripens

Done in late June to late September

Question 8

Name the 4 points in assessing potential quality & ripeness of a crop

Answer 8

1. Colour of the ears (even & glossy golden)
2. Number of leaves (ideally 3 leaves per plant)
3. Number of stems with an ear ( ideally 15-20 ears and about 90 grains per ear)
4. Strong root when pulled out

Ripening is from late September to October

Question 9

What is the ideal moisture content after harvesting and drying of the rice?

Answer 9

14-15%. The grains can be stored for long periods.

Above this level will lead to rot.
Below this level will lead to increased chance of cracking when handled.