Performance of a No-Till Seeder Under Dry and Wet Soil Conditions

Abstract

No-till sowing of second crops into dry soil (i.e. before irrigation) results in significant savings in time compared to no-till sowing into wet soil. Sowing into dry soil can also result in the earlier harvest of second crops. Seed placement accuracy is critical with no-till sowing into dry soil and there is little research on the seed placement accuracy of no-till seeders under dry soil conditions. The performance of a no-till seeder, equipped with a double disc-type furrow opener, was investigated under dry and wet soil conditions using maize (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), and soybean (Glycine max L.) seeds sown following wheat (Triticum aestivum). The experiments were carried out on soils covered with two different crop residue levels.