Spring sunshine bathed the experimental fields outside Xianyang, and a new round of planting had begun. Members of the Agricultural Research Institute were busy sowing carefully preserved hybrid rice seeds into the meticulously prepared seedbeds.
The wicked man stood on the edge of the field, watching the farmers' busy figures, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Grand Commandant, this year we have prepared five different hybrid varieties," Tao Rang explained, pointing to the different seedbeds. "Each has different characteristics, and we will conduct experiments to see which one is most suitable for planting in the north."
The wicked man nodded: "Tell me more details."
Tao Rang pointed to the first field: "This is a hybrid variety with Champa rice as the female parent and northern japonica rice as the male parent; we call it 'Qin Zhan No. 1.' Theoretically, it should have the advantages of both, but we'll have to wait until it matures to know for sure."
"The second one is the reverse, a hybrid variety with northern japonica rice as the female parent and Champa rice as the male parent, called 'Qin Zhan No. 2'."
"The third item is a hybrid of Champa rice and Sichuan soft glutinous rice, called 'Qin Zhan No. 3'. Soft glutinous rice has extremely strong drought resistance, and it is hoped that this hybridization will further enhance the drought resistance of Champa rice."
"The fourth one is a hybrid of Champa rice and early-maturing rice from Henan, called 'Qinzhan No. 4'. Early-maturing rice has a shorter growing season, and if successful, it may further shorten the growing season of hybrid varieties."
"The last piece is a composite variety resulting from further hybridization of the first four superior varieties, called 'Qin Zhan No. 5'. This is the most complex experiment, with the lowest success rate, but if successful, it may yield the best variety."
The wicked man listened attentively and was satisfied with the agricultural experts' systematic experimental methods. This multi-pronged, parallel research strategy greatly increased the likelihood of success.
"Very good, continue to observe and record. Regardless of which path succeeds, it will be a blessing for our Great Qin."
Just then, the Mo family craftsmen brought an improved version of the rice planting tool.
"Grand Commandant, following your instructions, we have improved our rice planting tools." The craftsman demonstrated a wooden tool. "This new tool can plant six seedlings at once, with very uniform depth and spacing. One person can use it as efficiently as three."
The wicked man took the tool and examined it carefully. It was a tool similar to a wooden comb, with six evenly distributed protrusions at the front, each with a small groove for placing seedlings. To use it, one simply placed the seedling into the groove, and then pushed and pulled to neatly insert the seedling into the soil.
"Good, this improvement is a success." The wicked husband nodded in satisfaction. "Produce a batch immediately for use during spring plowing. Record the effects in detail and see if there's anything that can be improved."
Experts from the water resources department also brought good news.
"Grand Commandant, as per your instructions, we have established a complete irrigation system around the experimental fields," the expert said, pointing to the irrigation ditches in the fields. "The main canal, branch canals, and field ditches work together in a three-tiered system, allowing for precise control of the water supply to each field. Even in times of drought, this ensures that the paddy fields have sufficient water."
The wicked man looked in the direction the man pointed and saw a network of irrigation canals crisscrossing the land. Main canals drew water, branch canals distributed it to different areas, and outlying canals delivered water directly to each field. This well-designed irrigation system greatly improved the efficiency of water resource utilization.
"Very good. But remember, an irrigation system isn't just about delivering water; it also needs to drain it. In the event of heavy rain, it must be able to quickly drain excess water to prevent flooding."
The water conservancy expert nodded repeatedly: "Rest assured, Grand Commandant, we've also designed the drainage system. Each channel has a drop in elevation, so once the water level exceeds the safety line, the excess water will automatically flow into the drainage ditch and eventually into a distant river."
Then, the wicked man inspected the soil improvement situation.
"Grand Commandant, as you suggested, we have added a special fertilizer to some of the experimental fields," the soil expert reported. "This fertilizer is a mixture of human excrement, wood ash, decaying plant matter, and animal bone meal. After special treatment, it is applied to the soil and can greatly improve soil fertility."
The wicked husband nodded in satisfaction. Although this compound fertilizer was primitive, it contained essential elements for plant growth such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making it far more effective than simply using human excrement.
"Continue the research to see how different ratios affect crop growth. Remember, too concentrated fertilizer will burn the seedlings, while too diluted fertilizer will be ineffective; you must find the right balance."
The soil expert respectfully agreed and continued to record the effects of various fertilizer formulations in detail.
With the start of spring planting, the various experiments at the Agricultural Research Institute were fully launched. The head of the institute personally inspected the experimental fields almost every three days to understand the growth of the various hybrid rice varieties and offer corresponding suggestions.
A month later, the seedlings had grown to a size suitable for transplanting.
"Grand Commandant, what do you think of the performance of these hybrid seedlings?" Tao Rang asked, pointing to the seedlings in the nursery.
The wicked man squatted down and carefully examined the different varieties of rice seedlings. Although they looked similar, subtle differences could be found upon closer inspection.
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