Seed Cum Fertilizer Drill Research Articles

Comparative Field Assessment of Sowing of ragi by Seed Cum Fertilizer Drill and Broadcasting Techniques

One of the primary challenges in ragi cultivation is the reliance on traditional farming methods, which involve labor-intensive practices from land preparation to post-harvest operations. This not only increases production costs but also contributes to excessive drudgery. Labor shortages, especially during peak farming periods, further exacerbate the situation by driving up costs and reducing overall productivity. In this context, mechanization has become critical for ensuring timely agricultural operations, which are key to maximizing crop yields. The evaluation of tractor-operated seed drills has shown promising results, including a reduction in seed usage when compared to traditional methods. It is found that the effective field capacity and field efficiency is 0.77 ha/h and 92.7 per cent respectively. Cost of savings when compared to the broad casting is Rs. 239/ha. Moreover, the mechanization of ragi sowing has effectively eliminated the drudgery associated with manual sowing, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

Direct Seeding of wheat Using Happy Seeder in Paddy Residue Conditions in Madhya Pradesh, India

Trials were conducted on direct sowing of wheat variety GW-322 through happy seeder in combine harvested rice fields in district Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh, during two successive year’s viz. 2015-16 and 2016-17. The control treatment was conventional field preparation after combine harvesting of rice followed by sowing of wheat by seed cum fertilizer drill. District Narsinghpur lies in Central Narmada valley region of India. The average annual rainfall of the district is 1136 mm [1] (Yadav et.al. 2021). Soils of the district come under the vertisol category. Results showed that crop yield and net return under the direct sowing of wheat through happy seeder was higher than that obtained under the conventional method. Direct sowing through happy seeder fetched an average crop yield of 47.45 q/ha whereas under the conventional method it was 43.10 q/ha. The net return under direct sowing through happy seeder was Rs. 59025/- per ha whereas it was only Rs. 48850/- per ha under the conventional method. Happy seeder is an innovative technology and is being widely adopted to reduce stubble problem and conserve soil and environment. The results showed that the direct sowing of wheat through happy seeder performed better than conventional field preparation followed by sowing through conventional seed cum fertilizer drill in combine harvested rice fields.

Design and development of a combined seedbed compactor and teff seed cum fertilizer drill machine

Teff, which is surged in other continent and a cornerstone Ethiopian grain used as injera, suffers from low yield due to outdated sowing practices and minimal use of modern fertilizers. The traditional method is inefficient, squandering seeds and fertilizer, and relying on a large number of animals for trampling. Researchers addressed this challenge by creating a new machine that combines a seedbed compactor with a tool that sows both teff seeds and fertilizer. They conducted lab tests to analyze how different settings affected the machine's performance. These settings included the speed (varying from 2.11 to 3.14 km per hour), the amount of fertilizer and seeds in the hopper (full, half, or quarter full), and the shape of the opening in the metering plate (circular, square, or a specific angled square). The weight of the compactor was also adjusted (40, 50, or 60 kg).Analysis of the results using Design Expert-13 software showed that a circular opening in the metering plate combined with a speed of 2.6 km per hour yielded optimal results, distributing 4.2 kg of seeds and 96.2 kg of fertilizer per hectare. Additionally, the compactor filled with 50 kg of sand generated a compaction force of 483.7 N. These findings satisfy the design requirements of applying 3–5 kg of seeds, 50–100 kg of fertilizer, and achieving a compaction force of 480 N per hectare. This method significantly reduces seed waste by 81 % compared to traditional techniques.

Long-Term Consequences of Tillage and Residue Management on the Performance of Rice-Wheat Cropping System in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

ABSTRACT A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of tillage and residue management practices on grain yield, economics, and soil fertility in a RWCS. The results inferred that wheat sown with happy seeder (full residue retained)-ZWW recorded 11.5% higher grain yield as compared to zero tillage sowing (residue removed)-ZWWO and 10.9% higher than farmer’s practice (TRWO-CWWO, residue removed and sowing with seed cum fertilizer drill after preparatory tillage). Retention or incorporation of paddy residues produced 16.0% higher grain yield than its removal or burning simultaneously improving soil health. Puddled transplanted rice (PTR) with or without wheat stubble recorded a 33.2% significantly higher yield than zero tillage direct seeded rice (ZTDSR) without wheat stubble. System productivity in TRW-ZWW treatment was 15 and 6.8% higher than zero residue treatments and only rice residue retained/incorporated treatments, respectively, and resulted in additional returns of Rs. 28,871 ha−1 as compared with conventional RWCS. There was a significant (p < .05) improvement in soil organic carbon in residue retained/incorporated plots.

Influence of Mechanization on Yield and Economics of Soybean

The present study was conducted at farmers fields of Adilabad district, Telangana state, India during kharif seasons of 2019 to 2021 (for 3 seasons) to appraise the effect of mechanization on soybean yield as well as economics. In this study, sowing by tractor operated seed cum fertilizer drill and harvesting by combined harvester was compared with the farmer’s practice (Bullock drawn seed drill sowing and manual harvesting and threshing). In comparison to the conventional method, the sowing of soybean with tractor operated seed cum fertilizer drill and harvesting with combined harvester found to be superior in seed yield and average soybean productivity with mechanization was 1870 kg ha-1, with a yield increase of 2.20% over conventional method of sowing (1830 kg ha-1). Similarly, the economics of soybean were found to be highest with mechanization in terms of gross returns (Rs 79064 ha-1) and net returns (Rs 52464 ha-1) with a B:C ratio of 2.97:1 compared to conventional method which generated the gross returns of Rs. 77150 ha-1 and net returns of Rs 46966 ha-1 with a B:C ratio of 2.56:1.

Adoption of Farm Mechanization in Rice Cultivation in Villupuram District

Rice is a predominant food crop that was extensively cultivated and consumed in India. Recently, small and fragmented land holdings and labour scarcity during the peak season are driving farmers toward farm mechanization. Villupuram is one of the prominent districts with the maximum area under rice cultivation. The study was conducted to examine the adoption level of various recommended implements and machinery by rice farmers in the Villupuram district. Of the 13 blocks of Villupuram district three blocks were selected for this study. A total of 120 farmers were selected for the study using a proportionate random sampling method. This study was conducted during April and may 2022. Ex-post facto research design was used for the study. Data were collected using a well-structured and pre-tested interview schedule. The findings of the study revealed that most respondents had a medium level of adoption of farm implements and machinery in rice cultivation. Most respondents adopted a combined harvester, tractor, power tiller, rotavator and power sprayer. None of the respondents adopted bund maker, seed cum fertilizer drill, rice cum Daincha seeder, rotary weeder, power weeder, drone operated sprayer, reaper and thresher. Custom hiring facilities are required to rent the equipment on a payment basis and awareness should be made on specific equipment like, seed cum fertilizer drill, power weeder, Conoweeder and rotary weeder.

Performance Evaluation of Seed-Cum-Fertilizer Drill

Abstract: The study was conducted in the farm of the institute to assess the performance of tractor operated seed cum fertilizer drill for sowing paddy seeds. It was observed that there was no effect of stubble on the performance of seed-cum fertilizer drill. However, the loose straw spread on the surface offers some hindrance in the working of the drill. The standards test code was adopted. Each test was replicated minimum three times. The forward speed and depth of sowing were taken as independent variables while wheel slippage and field capacity as independent variables. The field capacity, depth of sowing and seed rate were found to be 0.21 ha/h, 5.50 cm and 0.60 q/ha respectively as compared to 0.50 ha/h, 1.5cm and 1.25 q/ha in case of conventional broadcasting method. The mechanized method of sowing resulted in higher depth of sowing compared to broadcasting method. The tractor operated seed cum fertilizer drill was found to be better as compared to traditional broadcasting method. Keywords: Seed cum fertilizer drill, broadcasting method, Paddy sowing

Models for predicting the performance of fertilizer metering in seed cum fertilizer drill

ABSTRACT This study aimed to establish mathematical models that predict the performance of helical fertilizer metering according to the longitudinal and transverse inclinations, angular speed, and helical pitch. Laboratory tests were carried out with helical meterings with lateral and longitudinal discharge through overflow and with two helicoids, working at an angular speed of 16 and 46 rpm at the following longitudinal inclination angles: -20, -15, -10, -5, 0, +5, +10, +15, and +20° and on the transverse axis: -15, -10, -5, 0, +5, +10, and +15°. It was found that the variation of the transverse inclination has little effect on the dosage. When using fertilizer metering with a helicoid, the higher the longitudinal inclination, the greater the dosage in a linear manner, while the meterings with two helicoids provided less oscillation of the dosages according to the inclinations.

Development of a mechanism for seed cum fertilizer drill

The seed metering mechanism is the heart of the seed drill. The seed drill is a machine that places the seeds upto a predetermined desired depth. This ensures that seeds will be distributed evenly. The main aim of the paper is to develop a new seed-metering mechanism. By developing the new mechanism, the goal is to reduce the inefficiency of the current mechanism in terms of seed crushing rate and maintenance time. Also, there was a focus on developing a versatile seed drill to adjust row-row and seed-seed distance which is a major factor related to the net productivity of the crop.

Study on Selective Mechanization in Kharif Greengram (Vigna radiata L.)

Background: Greengram is an important short duration crop for rainfed area of Telangana state. Green gram is grown widely for human diet which contains 25 % protein, 60 % carbohydrate, 1.3 % fat and several essential amino acid including lysine and easily digestable. It is also rich in Vitamin A, B1, B2 C and calcium, phosphorus and potassium. Sowing of seed, application of fertilizers and intercultivation operations should be done timely to get the higher yields and monetary returns besides saving of time and labour, which is possible through only by mechanization in greengram. Methods: This experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2017 and 2018 at Agricultural Research Station, Madhira farm, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Hyderabad (Telangana). The soil of the experimental field was clay loam soil in texture, having alkaline reaction (pH=8.3), EC=0.33 ds m-1, low organic carbon (0.18%) and having low available nitrogen (153 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorus (42 kg ha-1) and high in available potassium (538 kg ha-1). This experiment comprising of two treatments i.e., selective mechanization and normal practice, which was tested by simple t-test at 5% level of significance, non-replicated. Result: Sowing of seed and fertilizer application through seed cum fertilizer drill and intercultivation by tractor drawn implements has shown in good crop growth inturn to get the higher yields and monetary returns besides saving of labour and time in greengram cultivation.

English

Development and introduction of high capacity, precise, reliable and energy efficient machinery/equipment is the need for judicious use of inputs. Manufacturing of agricultural machinery in India is varied in nature and starts from village artisans, tiny units, cottage to small scale industries, organized tractor and agricultural machinery manufacturers including energy and processing machinery industry. Precision in application rates for higher input-use efficiency can be achieved only by improving the designs of the existing machinery/equipment. Precision index (PI) of machine/equipment is based on its capability to perform a given task in an accurate manner. It is a worthwhile attribute to compare the performance of different equipment and operations to enhance the productivity of a given farm. The purpose of study was to propose an index, that is, PI to select efficient and precise machine/equipment for the farmers. PI values were calculated for three types of machinery namely zero seed cum fertilizer drills, planters and spraying machines. It was concluded that drill Make 2, tested in the year 2004, was having the highest PI value, that is, 0.97 or 97% followed by drill Make 1 having PI value 0.95 or 95% tested in the same year. Drill Make 5 tested in the year 2013 was having minimum PI value, that is, 0.80 or 80%. PI value for happy seeder machine was 0.88 or 88%. During the testing of multi-crop planter in year 2014, the variability of doubling attribute was more, that is, 28% followed by missing having 20% value and produced influence on PI which was observed to be 0.83 or 83%. PI of semi-automatic and automatic potato planter was found to be 0.70 and 0.80, respectively. The value was not much satisfactory and could be ranked under average category. PI of electrostatic sprayer mounted with single as well as twin nozzle was observed to be the highest, that is, 0.89 followed by PI of air assisted sprayer with single and double nozzle, that is, 0.83 and 0.84, respectively. Key words: Precision index, zero till seed cum fertilizer drill, happy seeder, spraying machines, planting machines.

Adoption level of smart agriculture practices in south-west zone and north-east zone of Haryana

Present study was carried out in Hisar and Kaithal districts of Haryana to find out adoption level of smart agriculture practices. The data were collected with the help of well-structured and pre-tested interview schedule and analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for tabulating results and drawing conclusions. It was observed that adoption level was high about conjunctive use of water (63.52%), certified seed for crop production (71.11%), seed cum fertilizer drill machine (62.04%), integrated nutrient management (60.93%), recommended nozzle for spray (97.04%), abandoning crop stable burning (88.52%), cropping system having high productivity (73.70%), kisan mela visit (46.11%), and storing produce for future sale (43.52). Study also observed that 43.00% (r2=0.43) variation in the adoption of the respondents regarding smart agriculture practices when other factors were kept constant.

Impact of front line demonstration of raised bed seed cum fertilizer drill on growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max L.) in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh

Impact of front line demonstration of raised bed seed cum fertilizer drill on growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max L.) in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh

Impact of seed cum fertilizer drill on the yield of horse gram, Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam) Verdc in South Bastar, Chhattisgarh

Impact of seed cum fertilizer drill on the yield of horse gram, <i>Macrotyloma uniflorum</i> (Lam) Verdc in South Bastar, Chhattisgarh

Impact of seed cum fertilizer drill on the yield of green gram in South Bastar, Chhattisgarh

The study was carried out during rabi season in four villages of South Bastar, Chhattishgarh during 2012–13. Frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on use of seed cum fertilizer drill for sowing green gram were carried out on an area of 5 ha by the active participation of farmers. FLDs recorded higher yield as compared to farmers’ local practices. The increase in yield, technological gap, extension gap and technology index were observed during the demonstrations. The improved technology gave higher gross return, net return with higher benefit-cost ratio than farmers’ practices.

Effect of seed cum fertilizer drill on growth characters and yield of soybean (Glycine max L.) in Shajapur district of Madhya Pradesh

A field experiments was conducted during Kharif season 2014 to 2015 for soybean crop to assess seed-cum-fertilizer drill and simple seed drill. Seed-cum-fertilizer drill was found better in term of growth characters and yield of soybean in comparison with simple seed drill sowing machine. The net return is the best index of profitability of soybean crop and higher net return per ha of Rs. 25569 was recorded for soybean crop under seed cum fertilizer drill whereas lower net return per ha of Rs. 17188 was recorded under normal seed drill sowing.

Effect of Variety and Method of Sowing Adopted by Farmers on Wheat Yield in District Kapurthala

A survey was conducted on different wheat varieties and method of sowing adopted by the farmers in the district and its effect on wheat yield obtained. The results revealed area under wheat variety HD 2967 was reduced by 23 per cent and increased by 20 per cent under HD 3086. Regarding age and education of the farmers, fertilizer application decreased with the increase of literacy level of the farmers, while yield levels remained static. Data regarding different methods of sowing followed by the farmers revealed that area under wheat sown with seed cum fertilizer drill reduced during 2015–16 and increased under zero till seed drill, broadcasting, use of rotavator and happy seeder as compared to the year 2014–15.

Package of Practices Followed by Farmers and its Effect on Wheat Yield in District Kapurthala

A survey based study was carried out to observe the effect of different package of practices followed by farmers for wheat cultivation in district Kapurthala. The study revealed that 96 per cent farmers opted for HD 2967 variety of wheat and used seed cum fertilizer drill, zero till drill and broadcasting method of sowing. More than 80 per cent farmers used recommended seed rate of 100 kg/ha whereas plant protection measures such as application of tilt fungicide @500ml/ha and seed treatment was followed by 27 and 15 per cent farmers, respectively. Similarly, adoption of other practices such as application of fertilizers as per soil test report, urea application at the time of sowing and recommended dose of di-ammonium phosphate fertilizer was 2.6, 19.0 and 38.4 per cent, respectively. Due to occurrence of untimely rainfall, a decline in wheat yield up to 36 per cent was recorded as compared to the last year (2013–14).

Design and development of a power tiller operated seed-cum-ferti till-drill machine

The adoption of power tiller is slowly increasing in India. However, suitable conservation seed cum fertilizer drill is to be evolved. Therefore, in order to minimize the soil moisture loss and turnaround time and energy loss during seed bed preparation and seeding operations, a seeding attachment was designed and developed for riding type of power tiller at Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, IGKV, Raipur, India. The main design considerations were to place seed and fertilizer with tractive type of tines while rotatilling the field with rotary tiller. The roto tiller need not to remove as it developed back thrust and increased pulling capacity of power tiller, which was revealed by work done and fuel consumption of power tiller with and without developed machine attachment. Thus seeding and tilling accomplished in single pass with conserving energy and in situ soil moisture. It saved operational time and cost of operation. The developed machine consisted a seed cum fertilizer box, four fluted feed rollers, four rigid tines mounted on toolbar with reversible shovels, ground wheel and adjusting devices. Fabrication cost of the machine was worked out about Rs. 6000.00 per unit and its total weight was about 32 kg. All the components of machine worked satisfactory. Key words: Power tillers, design, development, seed-cum-ferti drill, riding type.

National Food Security Mission in the service of farmers: An overview

The study was conducted to find out the services availed by the farmers under National Food Security Mission in Ludhiana district. The objectives of the study were to find out level of satisfaction of the farmers, ascertain the problems faced by the farmers and to seek suggestions from the farmers to make the subsidies more effective. A sample of 120 farmers was selected randomly covering all the 12 blocks of Ludhiana district from the list of the farmers who had availed subsidies under NFSM. Data were collected through personal interview approach. Findings of the study revealed that majority of the farmers were in middle age group (40–55 years), educated up to matric and had large operational land holdings (>25 acres). More than 67 per cent of the farmers availed the membership of co-operative society. State Department of Agriculture was the main source of information regarding subsidies among the farmers. Majority of farmers availed subsidies on rotavator followed by seed cum fertilizer drill and appreciated assistance provided by the concerned authorities to complete documentation procedure. Majority of the farmers were very much satisfied regarding quality of inputs and amount of subsidy. Only few farmers had shown dissatisfaction regarding quantity of inputs. More than 37 per cent of the farmers received amount of subsidy in more than sixty days. Lengthy documentation procedure and delay in release of subsidies were the main problems faced by the farmers. To make the subsidies more effective, farmers suggested that criteria for availing subsidies need improvement so that most of the small and marginal farmers get more benefit.