Journal of Agricultural Science

and Research (JASR)

Vol. 3, Issue 2, Dec 2016, 41-52
TJPRC Pvt. Ltd

TILLAGE PRACTICES AND EFFECT OF SOWING METHODS ON

GROWTH AND YIELD OF SOYBEAN CROP IN VERTISOL
AVINASH KUMAR GAUTAM1 & ATUL KUMAR SHRIVASTAVA2
1

Research Scholar, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engg, College of

Agricultural Engineering, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India

Professor and Head, Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engg, College of
Agricultural Engineering, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT
An experiment was carried out at BSP Research Farm, Jawaharlal Nehru Viswa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur during
2014-15, in order to assess the effect of tillage on soil physical properties growth and yield of soybean crop under different
sowing methods. The soybean variety JS 97-52 was planted on clay loam soil under three different methods raised bed
planter, conventional seed cum fertilizer drill and zero till drill. It was found that soil moisture content was higher in
raised bed planter method as compared to other sowing methods. While bulk density and soil strength were relatively
observations revealed that plant height, number of root/plant, depth of root, number of nodules/plant and total grain
yield/ha were superior in raised bed planter, the second best was seed cum fertilizer drill, while seed zero till drill was
found to be less effective. Soybean sown on ridges resulted in greater seed emergence 94.5%, plant height 78.3 cm, depth
of root 50.96 cm, number of nodules/plant 135.58, which in turn caused greater grain yield 3137.25 kg/ha, the next best
was seed cum fertilizer drill, while zero till drill was not effective as other two methods.
KEYWORDS: Tillage Practices, Sowing Methods, Emergence, Growth, Yield, Soybean

Original Article

lower in ridge sowing plots as compared to seed cum fertilizer drill and zero till drill plots. The results of agronomic

Received: Aug 26, 2016; Accepted: Oct 01, 2016; Published: Oct 07, 2016; Paper Id.: JASRDEC20165

INTRODUCTION
Soybean has emerged as a potential crop for changing the economic position of the farmers in India
particularly in Madhya Pradesh. In India it is cultivated in 9.95 million ha with the annual production of 12.57
million tonnes, Madhya Pradesh contributes nearly 5.73 million ha with production of 6.171 million tonnes to the
total production and area of soybean in the country (Agricultural Statistics, 2011-12). For improvement of
agricultural productivity the package of improved implement, machines play important role, besides high yielding
varieties, fertilizer, irrigation and plant protection practices. In general, the harvesting of wheat starts from the mid
of April to the mid of May. The total time available for timely sowing of soybean is about 15 - 20 days. Thus,
wheat harvested fields are not tilled and sown timely. This results in delayed sowing of soybean and consequently
lower yield. It has been estimated that about 16-25 per cent of the total energy available for rural sector is used for
agricultural production (Singh, 1997) of which, about 20 per cent energy is consumed only in seedbed preparation
(Anonymous, 1984). The time and energy for preparing the seedbed in soybean fields could be minimized by use
of efficient implements and machines.

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Avinash Kumar Gautam & Atul Kumar Shrivastava

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Physical Properties of Soil
Soil samples were taken at the depths of 0-15 cm for different treatments. The soil samples were collected in
polyethylene bags and texture of the plough layer (015 cm) clay (54.75%), silt (20.15%) and other (25.10%).analyzed.
Soil Moisture Content
Soil moisture content on dry weight basis was determined randomly, the soil samples were taken from the test
plots, at a depth of 0-15 cm, the electrical balance was used for measuring the soil samples. The 30g soil samples were
placed in hot dry air oven at 1050 C for 24 hours. The soil samples were weighed using an electronic balance having least
count of 0.001g and recorded. The soil moisture per cent (% dry weight basis) was calculated using the following formula,
RNAM, (1995).

X 100

MC =
Where,

MC = Moisture content of soil,(%);

= Weight of wet soil,(g); and
= Weight of dry soil,(g).
Bulk Density of the Soil
The measurement of soil bulk density (g/cc), soil sample was randomly taken at a depth of 015 cm, from the
main test plot. The diameter of core sampler was measured with venire caliper. The samples were dried in a hot air oven at
1050 C and dry weight of soil sample was recorded. The bulk density of soil was determined by using the following
formula, RNAM (1995).
Bulk density (BD) = M/V
V=

D2L

Where,
BD = soil bulk density, (g/cc);
M = Dry soil mass in a core sampler, (g);
V = volume of cylindrical core sampler, (cm3);
D = diameter of cylindrical core sampler, (cm); and
L = length of cylindrical core sampler, (cm).

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Tillage Practices and Effect of Sowing Methods on

Growth and Yield of Soybean Crop in Vertisol

43

Cone Index
Soil strength is the ability or capacity of a particular condition to resist or endure an applied force. Penetration
resistance is a composite parameter that involves several independent properties of a soil but it is generally considered to
reflect the strength of the soil. To measure penetration resistance, a simple instrument probe known as a penetrometer was
used to observe the relation penetration depth Kapner (1982).
Tillage Implements
The implement used in the present research study was moldboard plough, cultivator and disc harrow. All the
implements were standard field machines powered by John deere 5310 diesel tractor. The instruments such as steel tape,
stop watch, meter scale, soil sampler, soil containers, electric oven, electric balance, soil cone penetrometer were used.
The specifications of the tillage implements used in research study were as follows.
Table 1: Specifications of Machines
M B Plough
Cultivator
Disc harrow
Raised bed planter

Seed cum fertilizer drill

Zero till drill

Type of Plough- One Way, No. of Plough-2, Size 2 x 350 mm,

Vertical Suction - 40 mm, Horizontal Suction - 50 mm.
Type - Rigid type, Types of Tyne - Double point shovel, Spacing
between two Tynes - 22 cm, No. of Tynes 9, Total width - 1980 mm.
Type - Offset disc harrow, No. of disc - 2 gang, 6 disc each, Spacing
between two Tyne - 23 cm, 60 mm, Total width- 1380 mm,
Power source
- Tractor, L X W X H- 2100 X 2300 X 1500 mm,
Distance between furrow openers 450 mm, Number of rows in planter
attachment 4, Number of ridgers 3, Seed metering mechanism Inclined plate with hole.
Power source Tractor,
L X W X H -2100 X 1800 X 1500 mm, Distance between furrow
openers 450 mm, Seed drill metering - Fluted roller, Furrow opener Shovel type, Seed hopper capacity (kg) - 2.17.
Power source Tractor,
L X W X H -2100 X 1800 X 1500 mm, Distance between furrow
openers 450 mm,
Seed drill metering - Fluted roller, Furrow openers - Inverted T-type,
Power transmission - Chain and sprockets and bevel gear.

The plate 1 shows the Operational View of different Machineries.

(a) Raised Bed Planter

(b) Seed Cum Fertilizer Drill

c) Zero Till Drill

Plate 1: Operational View of different Machineries

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Avinash Kumar Gautam & Atul Kumar Shrivastava

Emergence Percentage
For seed emergence/square meter was used to calculate the emergence percentage and number of plants was
counted, and emergence %age was calculated from each replication according to the formula,

Emergence % age =

x 100

Plant Population
Initial and final plant population of crop was counted at 15 and just before harvesting i.e. 90 DAS from in one
meter row length in five rows randomly and then averaged. After this, plant population per meter square was determined
from each other.
Plant Height
Plant height was recorded from five plants was selected randomly in each plot and tagged for recorded various
observations. The height of this marked plant from the base (ground surface) to the tip of main stem with the help of meter
scale was measured as shown in Plate 3.6. This observation was recorded at 30, 45, 60 DAS and harvesting of crop i.e 90
DAS.
Depth of Root
The depth of plant root was measured in centimeters from the base of the stem to the tip of the root. Soil was
collected from five different locations in each plot.

A) Raised Bed Planter

b) Seed Cum Fertilizer Drill
c) Zero Till Drill
Plate 2: View of Crop Sowing with Raised Bed Planter, Seed Cum
Fertilizer Drill and Zero Till seed cum Fertilizer Drill
Number of Pods/Plant
Number of pods was removed from five tagged plants in each plots and then counting of these collected pods was
made for each plot. Finally, mean was computed by dividing the values with five.
Seed Yield
The seed yield per net plot was recorded after winnowing the seed with the help of double pan balance. Finally,
seed yield of each plot was converted in to seed yield per hectare by multiplying it with appropriate conversion factor.
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Tillage Practices and Effect of Sowing Methods on

Growth and Yield of Soybean Crop in Vertisol

Grain yield/ha =

45

x area/ha

100 Grain Weight (g)

The hundred seeds were randomly taken from the finally cleaned produce of each plot for recording test weight.
Then weight of 100 seeds of plot was recorded separately plot wise on a electrical weighing machine.

RESULTS
The analysis of experimental soil at depth 015 cm recoded. It was observed that the soil was clay loam. At 015
cm, the textural class was clay with 54.10%, silt 20.15% and others 24.10%.
Soil Moisture Content, under Sowing Methods
Soil moisture content at 015 cm depth for different treatments as shown Figure 1. The mean soil moisture
content before tillage operation was 21.44 per cent. The average soil moisture content after 0 DAS for all treatments was
recorded 18.52, 19.82 and 20.80 per cent for T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The Figure also shows that there was minimum
loss of moisture in case of zero till drill (T3) compared to other treatments and this is because of the reason that no tilling of
soil in this treatment. The maximum soil moisture loss was obtained in the case of treatment T1 seed was shown using a
raised bed planter. The higher soil moisture loss is therefore due to tilling of soil to a deeper depth.

Figure 1: Moisture Content of Soil for Different Treatments

The average soil moisture content at harvesting time i.e. 90 DAS was recorded 16.56, 15.15 and 13.65 per cent for
T1, T2 and T3 respectively. In T1 treatment moisture content of soil was 8.51 and 17.57 % more than T2 and T3 respectively.
Because moisture was conserved in raised bed due to loose of soil and in flat bed, the water was more evaporated compare
to raised bed planter. There was significant difference in all treatments.
Bulk Density of Soil for Different Treatments
The bulk density of the soil at 0-15 cm depth was shown in Figure 2. The average bulk density before tillage was
obtained 1.53 g/cc, there was bulk density of soil after tillage operation in all treatments it was varied from 1.15, 1.09 and
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Avinash Kumar Gautam & Atul Kumar Shrivastava

1.48 g/cc for T1, T2 and T3 treatments respectively. The bulk density maximum was obtained in zero till drill with 1.71 g/cc
at the time of harvesting i.e. 90 DAS (days after sowing) and minimum in raised bed planter with 1.39 g/cc and followed
by seed drill with 1.50 g/cc respectively. In case of zero till drill the bulk density 18.71 and 12.28 % more than raised bed
planter and seed cum fertilizer drill respectively. Because this machine only a slit is formed for placing seeds in the field
and there is no disturbance of soil. The increasing trend of bulk density of soil i.e. sowing to harvesting was achieved
because of the settlement of soil, this may be due to the rainfall, irrigation and other natural process of crop growth.

Figure 2: Bulk Density of Soil for Different Treatments

Cone Index
The cone index at 0-15 cm depth was shown in Figure 3. The cone index before tillage operation was obtained
924,920 and 935 kN/m2 for T1, T2 and T3 respectively, there was significant difference in all treatments. While cone index
after tillage operation i.e. at the time of sowing in all treatments was obtained 408, 450 and 945 kN/m2 for raised bed
planter (T1), seed drill (T2) and zero till drill (T3). There was highly significant difference in all treatments.

Figure 3: Cone Index for different Treatments

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Tillage Practices and Effect of Sowing Methods on

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The cone index was obtained at time of harvesting of crop i.e. 90 DAS. In case of zero till drill the cone index was
24.23 % and 20.48 % more than raised bed planter and seed cum fertilizer drill respectively. The cone index increased with
time after tillage for all tillage treatments as the soil gradually get compacted under the influence of rainfall and particle
resettlement.
Seed Emergence
The seed emergence of soybean as shown in Figure 4. The results revealed that the differences in the emergence
between three methods of sowing were highly significant. Soybean sown by the raised bed planter resulted in greater
emergence (91.5%), followed by seed drill (88.8%), while zero till drill resulted in a lower emergence of seedlings
(84.6%). This is due to the reason that when sowing using a zero till drill in a unprepared seed bed, seed are placed in a slit
formed by furrow openers and some time seeds are placed out of slit and also not covered by soil which caused poor
germination of seeds. The greater emergence of seedlings on ridge sowing (raised bed planter) was due to well
pulverization of soil resulting easier appearance of the seedling than seed drill or zero till drill.

Figure 4: Seed Emergence for Different Treatments

Plant Population of Soybean at Different Growth Stage
The average plant population of soybean crop recorded at 15 and 90 DAS under different methods of sowing as
shown in Figure 5, it reveal that after 15 days of sowing it was greater under seed cum fertilizer drill (47.34 m2/plant)
followed by raised bed planter sowing (45.0 m2/plant) while it was lowest in case of zero till drill (35.67 m2/plant) and this
is because low rate of seed emergence (84.6%) as described above. But at the time of harvesting i.e. 90 DAS the highest
plant population was obtained in raised bed planter (41.0 m2/plant) followed by seed cum fertilizer drill (37.67 m2/plant)
and lowest in zero till drill (28.67 m2/plant). The raised bed planter is becoming more popular because it provides crop
growth on beds and irrigation or drainage of water in furrow which may result in lesser plant mortality. The results also
reveals that moral less same number of plants survive during different after sowing in all the treatment.

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Avinash Kumar Gautam & Atul Kumar Shrivastava

Figure 5: Plant Population of Soybean Crop for Different Treatments

Plant Height of Soybean at different Growth Stage
The plant height of soybean crop was obtained at 30,45,60 and harvesting time i.e. 90 days after sowing (DAS)
for different method of sowing as shown in Figure 6, it reveal that after 30,45, 60, and 90 DAS of sowing it was greater
under raised bed planter sowing (25.96, 68.88, 80.46 and 78.13 cm/plant) followed by seed drill (23.43, 65.05, 76.73 and
75.13 cm/plant) while it was lowest in case of zero till drill (23.68, 63.06, 64.57 and 64.70 cm/plant). The above results
demonstrate that raised bed planter sowing displayed greater plant height as compared to seed drill and zero till drill
sowing methods.

Figure 6: Plant Height for Different Treatments

Depth of Root Per Plant at Different Growth Stage of Soybean
The results on depth of root were obtained at 30, 45 and 60 DAS as shown in Figure 7. It may be seen from the
results that varied significantly between the treatments. Soybean sown by raised bed planter (T1) resulted in greater depth
of root was found 17.23, 29.28 and 50.96 cm followed by seed drill (T2) was 16.86, 26.80 and 39.60 cm, while zero till
drill (T3) resulted in lower depth of root was 10.93,13.82 and 16.23 cm at 30, 45 and 60 DAS respectively. Because, at

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upper surface the soil pulverization was more and bulk density and soil strength was lowest and hydraulic conductivity was
highest in treatment T1 resulting growth of plant root as well as compare to T2 and T3 treatments.

Figure 7: Depth of Root for Different Treatments

Number of Nodules per Plant at Different Growth Stage
The number of nodules per plant under different treatments at 45 and 60 DAS are shown in Figure 8. The overall
nodules/plant in treatments T1, T2 and T3 was found 54.20, 50.05 and 65.20 at 45 DAS and 135.58, 120.23 and 84.33 at 60
DAS respectively. In T1 nodules/ plant was 11.23 and 37.82 % more than T2 and T3 at 60 DAS respectively. Because, this
treatment at upper surface the soil pulverization was more and bulk density and soil strength was lowest and hydraulic
conductivity was highest and this physical property of soil was most suitable for making the number of nodules compare to
T2 and T3 respectively.

Figure 8: Number of Nodules per Plant for Different Treatments

Pods per Plant
The Figure 9 shows the pods per plant in different treatment. It is obvious from the data that number of pods per
plant showed significantly variation among different treatments. In T1, T2 and T3 pods/plant was obtained 121.83, 97.4 and
85.93 respectively. In T1 treatment pods/plant was 20.05 and 29.46% more than T2 and T3 respectively.
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Avinash Kumar Gautam & Atul Kumar Shrivastava

Figure 9: Pods per Plant for Different Treatments

Grain Yield of Soybean
The estimation of grain yield in various treatments was estimated by measuring the plot cutting yield. This was
done by measuring the grain yield production/plot area under a particular treatment. The cutting of crop each plot and
measure the yield in each treatment.
In T1, T2 and T3 yield was found to be 3137.25, 2437.27 and 1931.73 kg/ha respectively. In T1 yield was 22.31 and
38.42 % more than T2 and T3 respectively. This treatment the biometrics growth of plant increase i.e. plant height, number
of branches, depth of root, number of nodules and number of pods/plant. Therefore, yield of grain as well as increase.

Figure 10: Seed Yield for Different Treatments

Weight of 100 Grain
Due to all over cause it can be said that practically there is no variation in grain weight for different treatment as
difference is minimal.

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Tillage Practices and Effect of Sowing Methods on

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Figure 11: Weight of 100 Grain for Different Treatments

Economic Analysis
The results on economic analysis of various methods in soybean crop shown in Table 2, reveal that soybean sown
on raised bed planter, seed cum fertilizer drill and zero till drill Rs. 24463.19/ha, Rs. 24031.12/ha and Rs. 20525.42/ha on
total cost of production, respectively. Where as total gross return was Rs. 79905.76/ha, from production of 3137.25 kg/ha,
Rs. 62077.27/ha from production of 2437.27 kg/ha and Rs. 49201.16/ha from production of 1931.73 kg/ha at the rate of
Rs.25.46/kg in case of raised bed planter, seed cum fertilizer drill and zero till drill, respectively. Thus, raised bed planter
gave a healthy net return of Rs. 55442.57/ha, followed by seed cum fertilizer drill Rs. 38046.15/ha and zero till drill Rs.
28675.74/ha. These results clearly demonstrate that soybean sown on raised bed planter gave an additional income of Rs.
17396.42 against seed cum fertilizer drill and Rs. 26766.83 against zero till drill on per hectare basis.
Table 2: Economic Analysis of Soybean Crop for Different Treatments
Operation
Field preparation,Rs
Sowing,Rs
Seed,Rs
Fertilizer,Rs
Interculture,Rs
Harvesting,Rs
Threshing,Rs
Grain transportation
Total cost (A),Rs
Grain yield (kg/ha)
Gross Income,Rs
Net income,Rs
B:C

T1S1
3902.27
680.98
3500
8120
4187.23
2661.88
1052.27
358.56
24463.19
3137.25
79905.76
55442.57
3.26

T2S1
3902.27
749.87
3500
8120
4194.71
2514.83
690.88
358.56
24031.12
2437.27
62077.27
38046.15
2.58

T4S6
1076.12
3500
8120
5727.53
1196.41
546.8
358.56
20525.42
1931.73
49201.16
28675.74
2.39

CONCLUSIONS
Appropriate method of sowing has several advantages like better inter-culturing, management of insect, pest and
disease and mechanical harvesting, raised bed planter sowing is considered to be the method which have the above
advantages, against the other methods of sowing like seed cum fertilizer drill and zero till drill, although seed cum fertilizer
drill is also a appropriate method of sowing to have some less advantages in contrast to raised bed planter sowing in the

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Avinash Kumar Gautam & Atul Kumar Shrivastava

modern agriculture farming. On the basis of present study, it may be concluded that planting soybean on raised bed found
to be more profitable as compared to seed cum fertilizer drill and zero till drill respectively. Recommendations soybean
variety no doubt, has assured increased production yet this is being grown on limited scale in the province of Madhya
Pradesh. This is because of the fact that any systematic income and resulting net profit gain has never been placed before
the farmers, so as to attract them to bring more area under soybean. In order to give an insight in to the profitability of
soybean production, the present study was under taken. It is suggested that for getting healthy return from soybean
farming, sowing should be raised bed planter as this method has several advantages.
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Andales A. A., W. D. Batchelor., C. E. Anderson., D. E. Farnham. and D. K. Whigham (2000). Incorporating tillage effects into
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2.

Anonymous, 1984. A.I.C.R.P. on energy requirements in agricultural sectors.Annual Report.G. B.Pant University of Agriculture
and Technology, Pantnagar,Inida.

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Kepner R.A., Bainer R., Barger E.L. (1982): Principles of Farm Machinery. III ed., AVI Publishing, INC. Westport,
Connecticut, USA.

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5.

RANM (1995): Test codes and procedure for farm machinery. Technical series, No:12.
Shrivastava, A. K., A Dubey. and R.K Naik (2012). Tractor drawn raised bed drill under vertisol. Agricultural Mechanization
in Asia. Vol.43: 4-16.

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