Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 33-40 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 35 address this by allowing wheat to be sown directly into rice residues, reducing environmental pollution and improving soil quality (Sidhu et al., 2015). However, adoption of such technologies is hindered by factors like limited operational windows and the need for compatible machinery. Additionally, weed management remains a critical challenge, especially in direct-seeded systems where weed competition can significantly reduce yields. Effective weed control strategies, such as the use of specific herbicides, are essential for the success of drill seeding (Phuong et al., 2005; Saha et al., 2021). Despite these challenges, ongoing research and technological advancements continue to improve the viability and sustainability of both drill and broadcast seeding methods in rice-wheat rotation systems. 3 Agronomic Effects of Drill Seeding and Broadcast Seeding 3.1 Impacts on crop growth and yield Drill seeding and broadcast seeding have distinct impacts on crop growth and yield in rice-wheat rotation systems. Drill seeding has been shown to enhance crop growth by improving seedling vigor, which is crucial for achieving higher grain yields. For instance, in a study conducted in China, drill seeding following strip tillage improved tiller number, leaf area, and shoot weight, leading to increased grain yield compared to broadcast seeding (Xu et al., 2022). Similarly, in northeastern Thailand, mechanized drill seeding produced 32% higher grain yield than manual broadcast seeding, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing productivity (Sansen et al., 2019). In contrast, broadcast seeding often results in uneven seed distribution, which can negatively affect crop growth and yield (Phuong et al., 2005). 3.2 Effects on resource utilization efficiency Drill seeding is generally more efficient in resource utilization compared to broadcast seeding (El-Hanfy, 2009; Sultan et al., 2023). It allows for precise placement of seeds, which can lead to better nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and water productivity (Noor et al., 2018). For example, a study in South Asia found that zero-tillage drill seeding improved water productivity by 25% compared to conventional methods (Gathala et al., 2011). Additionally, drill seeding with optimized nitrogen rates has been shown to enhance NUE, reducing the need for excessive fertilizer application (Santiago‐Arenas et al., 2021). In contrast, broadcast seeding often requires higher seeding rates and can lead to inefficient use of resources, such as water and nutrients (Phuong et al., 2005; Sansen et al., 2019). 3.3 Impacts on soil structure and health The choice between drill seeding and broadcast seeding also affects soil structure and health. Drill seeding, particularly when combined with conservation tillage practices like zero-tillage, can improve soil structure by minimizing soil disturbance and promoting better soil health over time (Gathala et al., 2011). This method helps in maintaining soil organic matter and reducing erosion (Nielsen et al., 2018; Rizwan et al., 2021). Conversely, broadcast seeding, especially when coupled with conventional tillage, can lead to soil compaction and degradation due to repeated soil disturbance (Chhokar et al., 2007; Svejcar et al., 2022). Moreover, the use of drill seeding in systems like the Turbo Happy Seeder has been shown to facilitate the retention of crop residues, which can enhance soil quality and reduce environmental pollution from stubble burning (Sidhu et al., 2015). 4 Compatibility Analysis of Drill Seeding and Broadcast Seeding in Rice-Wheat Rotation Systems 4.1 Adaptability under different climatic conditions Drill seeding and broadcast seeding exhibit varying adaptability under different climatic conditions. In northeastern Thailand, mechanized dry direct-seeding of rice using seed drills has shown to be more productive than manual broadcast seeding, especially in rainfed lowlands, by producing 32% higher grain yield in certain years (Sansen et al., 2019). Similarly, in the Philippines, a hand tractor-mounted seed drill was found to be effective in drought-prone environments, producing rice grain yields comparable to those from broadcast seeding (Bautista et al., 2019). These findings suggest that drill seeding may offer better adaptability in regions with variable rainfall and drought conditions compared to broadcast seeding.
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