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.