Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 33-40 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 34 2 Current Applications of Drill Seeding and Broadcast Seeding in Rice-Wheat Rotation Systems 2.1 Current status and development of drill and broadcast seeding technologies Drill seeding and broadcast seeding are two prevalent methods used in rice-wheat rotation systems, each with distinct technological advancements and applications. Drill seeding, particularly with mechanized options, has shown promise in enhancing productivity and reducing labor costs (Tayade, 2017). For instance, in northeastern Thailand, mechanized dry direct-seeding using seed drills has been evaluated for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, demonstrating a significant increase in grain yield compared to manual broadcast seeding (Sansen et al., 2019). Similarly, in the Philippines, the development of a hand tractor-mounted seed drill has been tested, showing comparable yields to traditional broadcasting methods while offering greater efficiency in terms of area coverage (Figure 1) (Bautista et al., 2019). In contrast, broadcast seeding remains a simpler and more traditional method, often used in regions where mechanization is less accessible (Elsoragaby et al., 2019). Figure 1 The prototype of a multigrain seed drill designed at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (Adopted from Bautista et al., 2019) Image caption: The prototype had a ride-on attachment to a two-wheel tractor, a built-in furrow opener and closer, an inclined circulating replaceable seed plate (for seed metering), and seed hopper made of plastic containers. The seed metering was driven by ground wheels through chain and sprocket combination with the provision of engaged and disengaged lever. The furrow opener was positioned in one line. The chain and sprocket drives, which were simplified into a single-stage conversion, were covered with metal plates to protect it from dust during operation and avoid chain damage. The bevel gears were added to rotate the drive shift of seeding plate from the ground wheel (Adopted from Bautista et al., 2019) 2.2 Characteristics and seeding requirements of rice-wheat rotation systems Rice-wheat rotation systems are characterized by their need for efficient crop establishment methods that can adapt to varying environmental conditions and resource availability (Xing et al., 2017). Drill seeding in these systems often requires precise seed placement and depth control, which can enhance seedling vigor and yield potential. For example, strip tillage combined with drill seeding has been shown to improve seedling growth and nitrogen uptake in wheat, leading to higher grain yields in rice-wheat systems in China (Xu et al., 2022). Broadcast seeding, while less precise, is often favored for its simplicity and lower initial cost, though it may require higher seeding rates to achieve similar plant densities (Phuong et al., 2005). The choice between these methods often depends on factors such as soil type, water availability, and labor resources. 2.3 Key issues and limitations in research on drill and broadcast seeding Research on drill and broadcast seeding in rice-wheat systems faces several challenges and limitations. One major issue is the management of crop residues, particularly in regions like north-west India, where the burning of rice residues is common (Hou et al., 2015). The development of technologies like the Turbo Happy Seeder aims to
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==