Evaluation of alternative tillage and crop establishment methods in rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation

Abstract

A two-year field study was conducted during 2011 and 2012 at Karnal (Haryana), to evaluate tillage and crop establishment (TCE) options with an objective to improve yield, water productivity and profitability in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The TCE methods had a significant effect on rice yields. Grain yield of mechanically transplanted rice (MTR) in puddled soil was significantly higher (10-22%) than all the other treatments in both the years of study. Conventional till direct seeded rice (CT-DSR) and zero-till direct seeded rice (ZT-DSR) consumed 12-17% less water as compared to puddled transplanted (manual or mechanical) rice during 2011, whereas during 2012, it consumed 5- 9% more water than puddled transplanted rice. DSR (CT or ZT) and mechanical transplanting (under both puddled and unpuddled conditions) resulted in a labour saving of 7-8% and 6-12% as compared to manual puddled transplanting, respectively. The benefit: cost ratio was highest in MTR in puddled soil followed by ZT-DSR and was minimum in mechanically transplanted rice in unpuddled soil. Energy output: input ratio was highest in MTR (4.1) in puddled soil followed by manual transplanting (3.7) and was minimum in MTR in unpuddled soil (3.2).