Effect of Planting Methods on Grain Yield and Crop Management in Finger Millet

Abstract

A field experiment on two planting methods (direct seeding and transplanting) in finger millet was conducted using two cultivars; Samtenling Memja 1 (SM1) and IE4425 at the Agriculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC), Samtenling from July to December 2020. The study aimed to determine the best planting method that gave better yield and economic advantage in crop production. The results of the experiment showed that the transplanted finger millet recorded the highest yield (0.81 Mt ha-1) compared to directed seeded (0.65 Mt ha-1) but statistically not significant. There was a percent yield difference of 19.7 % between the two methods. Similarly, there was no significant effect between planting methods and yield components such as plant height, productive tillers, and finger numbers; but there were varietal significant effects on plant height and length of the fingers (P=0.00). However, a significantly shorter maturity duration was observed in direct-seeded millet (120 days) as compared to transplanted millet (126.5 days). Moreover, economic analysis indicates that net returns for direct seeding were considerably greater (>25%) than that of the transplanting method. Based on the study, direct-seeded finger millet could be promoted in farmers' fields considering the economic advantage and early maturity.

Effects of Water Source and Technology on Energy Use and Environmental Impacts of Rice Production in Northern Iran

“…Among rice planting methods, hand seedling transplanting, that is, traditional transplanting, is the preferred method in Iran (Seyed Raoufi et al., 2018) due to the required lower seed per hectare and the easier weed control, but more intensive human labor is needed (Dendup & Chhogyel, 2018). In recent decades, mechanical transplanting has been increasingly replacing the traditional transplanting method in rice production to reduce human labor and labor costs; also, the ease of cultivation and the higher yield stability can enhance the household incomes (Hou et al., 2019; Knight et al., 2011; Liu et al., 2015).…”

“…In this region, farmers cultivate both low-and high-yielding rice cultivars (Motevali et al, 2019). However, high-yielding rice cultivars usually require higher inputs (i.e., chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery), as compared to the low-yielding rice ones, resulting in significantly higher energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Soltani et al, 2013).Among rice planting methods, hand seedling transplanting, that is, traditional transplanting, is the preferred method in Iran (Seyed Raoufi et al, 2018) due to the required lower seed per hectare and the easier weed control, but more intensive human labor is needed (Dendup & Chhogyel, 2018). In recent decades, mechanical transplanting has been increasingly replacing the traditional transplanting method in rice production to reduce human labor and labor costs; also, the ease of cultivation and the higher yield stability can enhance the household incomes (…”

EFFECT OF SOWING DATES ON RICE (Oryza sativa L.) YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF (BHUR KAMBJA-1) VARIETY AT SOUTHERN BHUTAN

“…Rice is the primary staple for more than half the world's population with Asia as the largest consuming region (USDA, 2019). Like any other Asian country, rice is the most preferred staple food in Bhutan and the country accords top priority in increasing rice production for food security and rice self-sufficiency (Dendup et al, 2018). Rice in Bhutan is grown from tropical lowland (200 masl) to elevation as high as 2700 masl (Ghimiray et al, 2013) in the north commanding total area of 51,368 acres (DOA, 2017).…”