Effect of Various Mechanical Ploughing and Planting Approaches on Agronomic and Yield Attributes of Paddy (Oryza sativa L.)

This study investigated the impact of various mechanical ploughing and planting techniques on the vegetative and reproductive traits of rice. A two-factorial field experiment was conducted at the research field of Agricultural machinery testing and research Centre (AMTRC), Nawalpur, Sarlahi, Nepal, utilizing a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in 2022. Five different planting techniques—farmer practice, rice transplanter, zero tillage, direct seeded rice (DSR), drum seeder—and two mechanical ploughing techniques—rotavator and cultivator—were examined. Significant variations were observed in the growth and yield attributes of rice across the different ploughing and planting techniques. The study found significant variations among each approach in all growth and yield characteristics of rice at P < 0.001. The cultivator yielded the highest (3.50 tons/ha) among the mechanical ploughing methods, while the rice transplanter outperformed other planting methods with a yield of 4.50 tons/ha. Moreover, the interaction between the rotavator and rice transplanter resulted in the highest yield (4.57 tons/ha). These findings highlight the importance of tailored mechanization strategies in optimizing paddy cultivation practices to enhance both productivity and soil health. By understanding the effects of different mechanical ploughing and planting techniques on rice growth and yield, farmers and agricultural practitioners can make informed decisions to improve agricultural productivity while promoting sustainable soil management practices.