Abstract
Weeds are the main significant constraints in paddy production. Weed eradication by using herbicides and weedicides pronounced simple and fast method but is restricted due to its adverse effects on both environment as well as human beings. To overcome these limitations, mechanical weeding can be selected as appropriate weed control measure.Based on this, a modified power weeder was tested for weed control in upland paddy at 20 and 45 days after sowing (DAS) andthe performance was compared with traditional hand weeding and manual operated mechanical weeder (Ambika paddy weeder). The modified power weeder show well prominence in weeding for upland paddy at 20 and 45 DAS and fuel efficient (0.63 to 073 l/h).The power weeder was found at par with the Ambika paddy weeder with a weeding efficiencyof 74.22 % and 86% at 20 and 45 DAS respectively. There was no significant variation in field efficiency for Ambika paddy weeder at 20 & 45 DAS, but the highest field efficiency was shown by paddy power weeder as 70% for 45 DAS.The energy consumption was more in paddy power weeder than Ambikapaddy weeder as 493.64 and 452.40 MJ/ha at20 and 45DAS respectively. The cost of operation per hectare with power weeder amounted to ₹928/-and₹850/-against Ambika paddy weeder as₹2,617/- and₹2,346/- for 20 and 45 DAS respectively. The machine also depicted the energy-cost as 1.88 and 1.87 at 20 and 45 DAS respectively. Whereas the hand weeding showed the highest values in weeding efficiency and field efficiency at 20 and 45 DAS as it was an ideal method of weed control exceptforthe cost of operation.
Highlights
Paddy is the main cereal crop produced and consumed all around the world
Result and Discussion The traditional method of weed management practice such as, hand weeding and mechanical weeder (Ambika paddy weeder) is compared with modified power weeder for controlling weeds.The performance in terms of weeding efficiency, field efficiency, energy consumption, cost of operation and energy cost ratio are evaluated in modified power weeder and other different weed management practices
It depicts that the maximum energy consumed (493.64 MJ/ha and 452.40 MJ/ha)was recorded for treatment T3 (Paddy power weeder) in operations on 20 and 45 days after sowing (DAS) respectively
Summary
Paddy is the main cereal crop produced and consumed all around the world. Weeds are the main constraint in paddy production and a direct determinant for crop yield reduction. Mechanical weeding promotes the plant growth as a result of increased soil aeration, root length and better tiller production This may be done by traditional hand aided weeding tool; manual operated mechanical weeder and power weeders. As a recommendation to control weed,an engine operated rotary weeder with “L” shaped cutting blades system for wet land paddy was designed and developed.[3] This machine showed satisfactory result with field capacity ranges from 0.04 to 0.06 ha/h, field efficiency (71%) and weeding efficiency of 90.5%. For the replacement of human labour with mechanical means, an engine operated weeder was designed, developed and tested.[4] This machine recorded field capacity (0.10ha/h), field efficiency (85.71%), weeding efficiency (85.85%), cost of operation (`580/ha) with fuel efficiency of 0.60 to 0.75 litres of kerosene per hour. The study intends in the replacement of human labour by machine by reducing the weeding operational time and as an evident to achieve the productivity of the crop
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
