The Rural Development Administration introduced methods on the 3rd to reduce flood damage during the summer rainy season and stably produce summer forage crops.
According to the RDA, with the implementation of the 2023 strategic crop direct payment system, the number of farms cultivating summer forage crops like corn and sorghum in paddy fields has expanded. However, since most summer forage crops are field crops, they are highly vulnerable to waterlogging when grown in paddy fields. When summer forage crops experience waterlogging, root vitality decreases and heat-related wilting symptoms appear, potentially reducing productivity.
Therefore, if paddy field cultivation is unavoidable, selecting varieties with strong water resistance is crucial. Whole-crop rice (total crop rice) and forage peas have strong flood resistance and can be relatively stably cultivated even in fields with poor drainage.
The RDA has developed new varieties 'Joon' and 'Daon' with excellent water resistance and high yield, and is promoting seed production for farm distribution.
After sowing, thorough drainage management is important. Securing a main drainage channel around the cultivation area and installing small drainage channels inside to ensure water drainage within 24 hours after rain is necessary. Before the rainy season, ridges should be maintained and elements obstructing water flow removed.
If crop yield is reduced due to flood damage, utilizing 'emergency forage' can be an alternative. Emergency forage refers to alternative feed crops that can be quickly cultivated and harvested during abnormal weather conditions like the rainy season when normal crop cultivation is difficult.
Emergency forage must be harvestable in a short period and suitable for paddy field cultivation. Early-maturing forage peas can be harvested within 60 days of sowing, with a dry matter productivity of 6.6 tons per hectare and crude protein content of 11.3% on a dry matter basis, making it suitable as an alternative forage crop to minimize supply gaps after flood damage.
However, emergency forage should be used only as a temporary measure in emergency situations and distinguished from regular year-round forage production. Additionally, preparing seeds in advance is advisable to address potential sudden seed demand due to flood damage during the rainy season.
Lee Sang-hoon, Director of the Forage