You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
possible. Excess tillage tends to accentuate the<br />
formation of crusts, particularly on Alfisols.<br />
Efforts will be concentrated on determining the<br />
tillage requirements and defining the physical<br />
characteristics desirable in a seedbed. On Vertisols<br />
it has been observed that beds are sufficiently<br />
friable to be plowed during the early dry<br />
season; at these times flat-planted areas become<br />
very hard and very difficult and costly to till.<br />
Tillage studies to quantify these observations are<br />
planned.<br />
Planting Requirements<br />
"Ebra" seeders, made in France, were used for<br />
planting all crops (except pearl millet) at<br />
ICRISAT Center. These machines use an inclined<br />
rotating plate as a metering mechanism,<br />
and prior to the 1977 planting season the plates<br />
were modified for the seed size and seeding rates<br />
of the cultivars being planted at ICRISAT. This<br />
involves having a plate correct in thickness, hole<br />
size, and spacing in relation to the drive wheel.<br />
These unit planters, each with its independent<br />
drive wheel, provide a convenient method of<br />
planting two or more intercrops simultaneously.<br />
Compared with available planters, the Frenchmanufactured<br />
machines provide a considerable<br />
degree of precision planting for the small-scale<br />
farmer. The major requirement of a good seeder<br />
is to meter the required amount of seed at<br />
uniform intervals and to place the seed in proper<br />
contact with moisture for quick germination.<br />
This involves having the required metering<br />
mechanism, furrow openers, covering devices,<br />
and press wheels. Experience in the past year<br />
Figure 68. Interrow cultivation of intercrops on a Vertisol.<br />
151
Change language