Rice residue management using direct seeding technology

Abstract

The Indo Gangetic Plane (IGP) is an important region located in South Asia blessed with fertile agricultural farmlands and a diverse ecosystem. Rice-Wheat (RW) cropping system is predominant in the Indian region of the IGP. Almost complete rice area harvesting is performed with combine harvester which leave huge chunk of loose straw. Rice residues are often burned because managing of huge amount of straw in short window period is difficult task. Moreover, the loose straw hinders tillage and seeding operations for the following crop. Retaining crop residues in the field can replenish soil nutrient stocks and organic matter, contributing to sustainable RW production. Therefore, different seeders are available to sow wheat into the rice stubble field which avoids the burning of crop residue as well as several tillage operations to manage the residue. Machinery like Happy seeder, zero till drill, spatial till drill, smart seeder and super seeder gaining popularity among the farmers for timely sowing of the wheat under rice stubble condition. Use of Super Straw Management System (Super SMS) is the pre-requisite for the smooth operation of above said direct seeding machines. However, the adoptions of these technologies are still not up to desired levels due to lack of knowledge and higher cost of the machinery.