Straw Management with Spatially Modified No-Till Drill in Combine Harvested Rice Field

Abstract

In rice-wheat crop rotation, the loose straw left after harvesting by combines results in frequent choking of the drill. A No-till drill with straw thrower assembly was developed to sow directly in combine harvested paddy field. Field evaluation of machine was done to optimize its performance affected by the various independent parameters i.e. Vertical clearance of the frame, lateral spacing between the openers and belt speed index of the machine. Optimization of the machine performance was done on the basis of straw management and conveying efficiency, straw accumulation (kg/ha) and uniformity of straw throwing. Straw management efficiency was improved by about 12,10 and 4% by increasing the belt speed index from 5.8 to 7.8, vertical frame clearance from 30 cm to 60 cm and lateral clearance between the openers from 40 cm to 80 cm, respectively. Maximum straw management and conveying efficiency of the experimental machine was 93.8% and 77.83%, respectively at a combination of the belt speed index 7.8, lateral spacing between the openers 80 and 40 cm and 60 cm vertical clearance of frame. Average straw accumulation was 1400 kg/ha, 1000 kg/ha and 500 kg/ha with the increase in belt speed index from 5.8 to 7.8, vertical clearance of frame from 45 cm to 60 cm and lateral spacing between the openers from 40 cm to 80 cm, respectively. Straw was thrown by the straw thrower with maximum uniformity having minimum C.V. (17.7%) at a combination of belt speed index 7.8, vertical clearance of frame 60 cm and lateral spacing between openers 60 cm. Optimal combination; at which maximum straw managed was 93.8%, threw the straw with C.V. 21.6% and minimum straw accumulation was 633.2 kg/ha, was at belt speed index 7.8, vertical frame clearance 60 cm and lateral spacing between openers 40 and 80 cm.