Sowing Methods: Broadcasting Techniques

Sowing Methods

• Broadcasting: Random sowing by scattering seeds, used for small to medium crops. Most prevalent method in India due to low labor needs and cost-effectiveness. Criss-cross sowing enhances uniformity.

• Disadvantages of Broadcasting: Poor soil contact limits germination, requires more seeds, lacks desirable planting depth, and can lead to lodging of plants.

• Dibbling: Seeds inserted at a desired depth in soil for wider spaced crops, commonly used for sorghum, maize, and sunflowers. Requires more labor and time but offers uniform population and better germination.

• Sowing Behind the Plough: Manual/mechanical sowing of seeds in ploughed furrows, ensuring uniform distance. Commonly sows crops like red gram, cowpea, and groundnut. Allows for accurate planting depth and is effective for a variety of seed sizes.

• Drill Sowing: Seeds dropped at a definite depth and covered. Seeds are planted in rows, promoting efficient soil use. Less seed is required, and it allows for concurrent application of fertilizers but is time-consuming and costly.

• Transplanting: Involves raising seedlings in nurseries before planting. Ensures optimum population density and crop management efficiency. Common for paddy, vegetables, and tobacco but requires significant labor and resources.

• Planting: Involves vegetative reproduction, using parts like tubers and cuttings, ensuring strong crop establishment.

Crop Geometry

• Broadcasting Geometry: Random arrangement results in uneven resource distribution.

• Square Geometry: Even distances between plants, suitable for perennial crops, allows for even light distribution and mechanization.

• Rectangular Method: Organization of rows and columns, suitable for annual crops. Variants include:

  • Solid Row: No spacing between plants, used for tillering crops.
  • Paired Row Arrangement: Adjusts spacing for intercrops while maintaining base population.
  • Skip Row: Reduces population by omitting rows for intercrops, useful in drought conditions.
  • Triangular Method: Compact planting for wide-spaced crops like coconut and mango.

Irrigation

• Definition: Artificial water application to complement rainfall for crop production.

• Sources of Water: Surface (rivers, lakes) and underground (wells, tubewells).

• Irrigation Scheduling: Timing and frequency of irrigations based on crop needs.

• Measurement Units: Cusec (28.3 liters), Cumec (1000 liters), ha mm (10,000 liters).

• Water Measurement Methods:

  • Orifices: For small streams.
  • Weirs: Discharge measurements using equations.
  • Parshall Flume: Versatile measurement for flat irrigation channels.

Germination

• Process: Seed growth initiation, with optimal wavelengths for germination being red light.
• Types of Germination:
  • Epigeal: Cotyledons rise above soil (e.g., bean, castor).
  • Hypogeal: Cotyledons remain below soil (e.g., pea, maize).

Intercultural Operations

• Thinning and Gap Filling: Essential practices after sowing within a 15-day window.
• Earthing Up: Performed 6-8 weeks after sowing for root support.
• Ploughing Depth Classification:
  • Shallow: 5-6 cm.
  • Medium: 15-20 cm.
  • Deep: 25-30 cm.

Plant Population

• Key agricultural data detailing acceptable plant populations per hectare for crops like cotton and maize.

Water Use Efficiency of Major Field Crops

• Water Use Efficiency Values (Kg/ha mm):
  • Finger Millet: 13.4
  • Wheat: 12.6
  • Groundnut: 9.2
  • Sorghum: 9
  • Maize: 8
  • Rice: 3.7

Terminology

• Nominal Duty: Area-to-discharge ratio in irrigation.
• Kor Watering: Initial irrigation before planting; vital for seed establishment.
• Duty of Water (D): Area irrigated per water quantity, crucial for efficient water use.

Key Insights

• Understanding the intricacies of planting methods and irrigation practices is vital for optimizing crop yield and resource management.
• Efficient plant populations and proper irrigation scheduling contribute significantly to agricultural productivity.

Explore the broadcasting method of sowing seeds, known for its simplicity and low labor requirements. This quiz covers key aspects like the concept of criss-cross sowing and its application in India for various crop sizes. Test your knowledge on this fundamental agricultural practice!