Field Evaluation of Experimental Plot Drill

Abstract

Mechanization of field operations on experimental plots is considered a key input to agricultural research. However, with the introduction of mechanized, accurate and reliable planting systems, even small yield gains made in varietal improvement may easily be noticed. The use of machines facilitates precision and timeliness in operation and reduces drudgery, which are all critical to the productivity of crops. The tractor drawn Oyjord plot drill (Wintersteiger) was evaluated for seed placement unifbrmity at four operational speeds (4, 5, 6 and 7 kmih) and two types of seeds IRapeseed(B rassicaju ncea L.) and Pea (Pisum sativum L.)l with three levels of seed rate in each case. The experimental work was carried out at the Crop Research Centre of BPUA&T, Pantanagar. The plot drill seed uniformity was described with respect to coefficient of uniformity and standard deviation. Results showed that an average seed drop could not be achieved in to ground wheel skid. Seed rate and speed of operation did not have significant effect on coefficient of uniformity betweenr ows for rapeseed( Brassica juncea L.), while speed of operation had a highly significant (1 %) effect for peas (Pisum sativum L.). At 4 km/h, standard deviation was minimum ( 0 . 1 0 , 0 . 1a4n d0 . 1 9a t 2 . 5 , 3.0 and 3.5 kg/ha seed rate for rapeseed(Brassicaju nceaL . ) and 0.09, 0.10 and 0.17 at 80, 85 and 90 kg/ha seed rate fbr pea, respectively). The plot seed drill covered more distancet han the selectedt est run, as per manufacturer's calibration table.w heret hep ercenvt ar iat ionin distance coverage was almost equal to the round wheel skid. Therefbre, in order to obtain correct seed rate. the quantity of seed for a particular distanceh ad to be increasedo r distance shown in the calibration table had to be decreasedin accordance with the sround wheel skid.