Is Rice Washed Water Good for Plants?

Rice washed water or 'soboro' is the water left over after washing rice grains. It is a common practice in many Asian households to reuse soboro for various household tasks such as cleaning dishes, washing clothes or even for beauty purposes. However, there is an ongoing debate on whether soboro is beneficial or harmful to plants. In this article, we will examine the different benefits and drawbacks of using soboro on plants and try to come up with a conclusion.

The Pros of Using Rice Washed Water for Plants

The use of soboro as a natural fertilizer for plants can be traced back to ancient agricultural practices in Japan and China. Soboro contains essential nutrients such as starch, vitamins, and minerals that can benefit plants in various ways. Here are some of the benefits:

Stimulates Growth: Some studies have shown that rice washed water can stimulate plant growth due to its high content of natural plant growth hormones such as gibberellins and auxins.

Improves Soil Fertility: The nutrients in soboro can enrich the soil and improve its fertility. It can also help in retaining moisture and prevent soil erosion.

Repels Pests: Soboro contains saponins, which are effective in repelling pests such as leafhoppers, aphids and spider mites.

The Cons of Using Rice Washed Water for Plants

As with all things, soboro also has its drawbacks when it comes to using it as a fertilizer for plants:

Risk of Contamination: Rice grains can contain harmful chemicals and pesticides that can leach into the water used for washing. If the rice was not organically grown, then the soboro can contain harmful toxins that can harm plants.

Potential for Odor: Soboro can produce a foul odor over time, especially if the water is not changed regularly. This odor can attract pests and insects to the plants and affect their growth.

Conclusion: Is Rice Washed Water Good for Plants?

The debate on whether soboro is good for plants is still ongoing, but based on the above information, it can be concluded that soboro can be beneficial for plants if used correctly. If you are using soboro as a fertilizer for your plants, it is important to use organic rice and change the water regularly to prevent contamination and odor. Soboro should not be the only source of nutrients for plants but can be used in addition to other fertilizers. It is also advisable to use soboro in moderation and not to overuse it, as excessive soboro can cause harm to plants.

Therefore, if you are someone who regularly washes rice and wants to try using soboro on your plants, go ahead and experiment with it. However, be sure to follow the necessary precautions to ensure your plants benefit from it.