Adaptability Test of Dry Farming Tillage Technique in Northern China and Study of Key Techniques

Abstract

Based on the problem of insufficient coordination of integrated machinery and technique configuration in the exploration of dry farming regions, a method of two-period comparative test was carried out in Shanxi Province, China. Zones of the effects of different treatments on straw coverage, soil moisture, emergence rate, seedling condition, yield, and benefit were monitored and analysed. The result was that the coverage before sowing decreased to below 55% after surface harrowing or rotary tillage in autumn by using dry farming technology in Northern China. The average number of emerging seedlings through surface tillage was larger than that without surface tillage by 1.7 plants/5 m; emergency rate was increased by 8.37%, and the increase in amplitude of grain yield reached 28% compared with that of traditional farming. Moreover, the input–output ratio reached 1:4.41. The experiments showed that the net income could reach RMB 1,251–1,401/hm2, and compared with traditional farming, operating cost was lowered by 23.1%–28.8%, and benefit was elevated by 48.8% with prominent cost saving and benefit increase. The study results will facilitate the improvement of water-saving and production-increasing technologies in Northern China and play a critical role in the development of agricultural cultivation and steady growth of agricultural output in this region.