Sowing Methods Quiz

Sowing Methods

Broadcasting

• Definition: Random sowing method; seeds are scattered over the field.
• Characteristics: Predominantly used in India due to low cost and labor requirements.
• Technique: Effective when cross-sown in perpendicular directions for uniform density.
• Seed Treatment: For sesame, seed-sand ratio of 1:10 or 1:15 is recommended.
• Disadvantages: Non-uniform seed-soil contact, insufficient germination rates, increased seed usage, and lodging issues.

Dibbling

• Definition: Planting seeds at specific depths by inserting them into holes.
• Suitable for: Larger seeds and crops like sorghum, maize, and sunflower with widely spaced planting.
• Advantages: Enhances uniformity, improves germination rates, and reduces seed consumption.
• Disadvantages: Labor-intensive, time-consuming, and more expensive.

Sowing Behind the Plough

• Definition: Seeds are placed in furrows made by the plough and covered as the next furrow is created.
• Crops: Commonly used for red gram, cowpea, and groundnut.
• Major Crop: Groundnut is predominantly sowed using this method.
• Mechanization: Utilizes a seed drill for efficient sowing by placing seeds at the correct depth.
• Advantages: Proper depth placement and suitable for a variety of seeds like maize and millets.

Drill Sowing

• Definition: Seeds are dropped at specific depths and covered with soil.
• Method: Implements are utilized for precise sowing into soil rows.
• Spacing: Allows for continuous planting in designated rows.

Irrigation

Definition and Sources

• Irrigation: Artificially adds water to crops to complement rainfall and groundwater.
• Sources:
  • Surface: Rivers, lakes, canals
  • Underground: Wells, tubewells

Irrigation Scheduling Approaches

• Transpiration Ratio: Water amount transpired per unit of dry matter produced.
• Soil Moisture Deficit: Recommended moisture depletion levels for crops like maize and wheat.
• Climatological: Based on soil moisture stress index (IW/CPE ratio).
• Critical Stage: Identifies timings when water shortages significantly impact crop growth.

Measurement of Irrigation Water

• Cusec: 1 Cusec = 28.3 liters
• Cumec: 1 Cumec = 1000 liters

Water Measurement Methods

• Orifices & Weirs: Used for measuring flow in streams and irrigation channels.
• Parshall Flume: Effective for shallow irrigation channels.

Crop Plant Density

• Plant density can vary by crop type and variety; e.g., cotton requires between 18,518 and 55,555 plants per hectare based on type.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Drill Sowing

• Advantages: Reduces seed quantity and allows for simultaneous application of fertilizers and amendments.
• Disadvantages: Labor-intensive, time-consuming, and higher cost.

Transplanting

• Process: Involves raising seedlings on nursery beds before transplanting into the field.
• Timing: Seedlings should be 1/4th of the overall crop duration.
• Crop Examples: Common in paddy, vegetables, and fruits.
• Advantages: Optimizes plant populations and reduces management requirements in the main field.
• Disadvantages: Expensive and labor-intensive.

Crop Geometries

• Broadcasting: Results in irregular spacing and resource inefficiencies.
• Square Geometry: Plants are spaced evenly, increasing light availability and enhancing mechanization.
• Rectangular Method: Features rows and columns with varied spacings; primarily for annual crops.

Terminology

• Nominal Duty: Area to be irrigated compared to mean supply discharge.
• Kor Watering: Refers to initial watering specifics for crop growth.
• Base Period: Total duration of crop cultivation including all irrigation phases.
• Delta (Δ): Total water depth required by a crop expressed in centimeters.

Water Use Efficiency

• Finger Millet shows the highest water use efficiency at 13.4 kg/ha mm, while rice has the lowest at 3.7 kg/ha mm.

Development of Irrigation and Rainfall

• Rainfall: Defined as precipitation with drops larger than 0.5 mm; critical for agricultural water supply.

Germination

• Definition: Process of seed sprouting into a plant.
• Types:
  • Epigeal: Cotyledons above the ground (e.g., beans, castor).
  • Hypogeal: Cotyledons remain below the soil (e.g., maize, groundnut).

Plant Population

• Identifies optimal plant numbers for maximum output; excess can reduce overall biomass.

Intercultural Operations

• Thinning and Gap Filling: Address planting gaps within 15 days of sowing.
• Earthing Up: Performed 6-8 weeks post-sowing to support crop growth.

Depth of Ploughing

• Recommended ploughing depth varies from 12 to 20 cm based on crop root zones.

Root Depth of Field Crops

• Ranges from 30 cm for shallow-rooted crops to 90 cm for deep-rooted species like cotton and maize.

Plant Population and Spacing (According to TNAU)

• Different rice varieties have specific plant populations and spacing requirements, ranging from 3,33,000 to 6,66,666 plants per hectare.