Performance of Zero-Till Drill for Wheat Cultivation at Farmers Fields

Feasibility testing and field evaluation of Pantnagar zero-till drill was conducted at farmers fields during the years growing seasons 2011/12 and 2012/13. The performance evaluation of zero-till ferti seed-drill was carried out in an area of 0.20 ha at farmers fields at Ambedkar Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh. It was observed that there was no effect of stubble on the performance of zero-till ferti seed-drill. However, the loose straw spread on the surface offers some hindrance in the working of the drill. The zero tillage sowing was found to be most time (88 %) and energy efficient (79 %) as compared to conventional method of sowing. Wheat crop can be sown 10-15 days early as compared to conventional method of sowing. This will result in timely sowing of wheat crop and increase in yield. The zero tillage sowing was more economical (79 %) in comparison to conventional method. It was observed that zero-till drill system was found an acceptable machine by the farmers of district of Baghpat (U. P. ) because the zero-till drill system gabe highest benefit cost ratio (1.76) in comparison to conventional system.