Prospects for using minimum and zero tillage in tropical lowland rice

Abstract

Summary:Four field experiments were conducted at The International Rice Research Institute during the 1975 and 1976 crop seasons to develop minimum and zero tillage techniques for transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.). High rates of glyphosate followed by a lower rate of paraquat effectively controlled Paspalum distichum L., but not Fimbristylis littoralis L. The tenminimum tillage treatments based on different combinations and sequences of pre‐plant herbicide application, tillage and flooding, gave a similar grain yield to conventional tillage, and significantly higher grain yield than zero tillage treatments. Conventional, minimum and zero tillage were compared over four successive crops. After two crops with zero tillage, the plots were dominated by the perennials, P. distichum and Scirpus maritimus L., but with minimum or conventional tillage, weed control and grain yield were satisfactory. Efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer usage by the crop was the same with minimum as with conventional tillage but higher than with zero tillage and was increased by placement at 10 cm depth. The studies indicate that minimum tillage systems are a dependable alternative to conventional tillage for lowland rice production.

Effects of temperature, light and certain growth regulating substances on sprouting, rooting and growth of single‐node rhizome and shoot segments of Paspalum distichum L.

“…In fields being infested from seeds and over-wintering rhizomes and shoots, cultivation or diskings may eradicate young seedlings, but cutting shoots and rhizomes into small pieces may only help to propagate this weed species. This may explain why the best control method for this weed species is glyphosate followed by ploughing (De Datta et al, 1979).…”

Tillage Effects on Soil Physical Properties and Wetland Rice Yield

“…No-till and minimum-till systems can produce: rice grain yields similar to those produced with conventional puddling (Mabbayad and Buencosa, 1967;Mittra and Pieris, 1968;Seth et al, 1971;Croon, 1978;De Datta et al, 1979;Rodriguez and Lal, 1979). Minimum tillage can reduce the land preparation p(:riod for rice from 15 to 30 days to 6 to 10 days (Brown and Quantrill, 1973).…”

Effect of Tillage Technique and Herbicides on Weeds and Yield of Transplanted Rice.

“…A no-till method is a soil management method that increases bulk of soil organic matter, reduces poor soil and can also increase crop yield (Bayer et al 2000, Santos et al 2011, and Crusciol et al 2012. Low tillage and no-till method can gave rice grain yield similar to those produced with classical puddling (Mabbbayad and Buencosa 1967, Mittra and Pieris 1968, De Datta et al, 1979and Rodriguez and Lal 1979. It has been show that in clay soil, low tillage gave similar rice grain yield as puddling (Sharma et al 1988).…”