Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 33-40 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 38 6.2 Farmer training and technology promotion plans Farmer training and technology promotion are crucial for the successful adoption of optimized seeding methods (Uzonna and Gao, 2013). Participatory evaluation and demonstration trials have proven effective in promoting mechanized seeding technologies, as seen in northeastern Thailand, where farmers achieved higher yields and reduced costs with seed drills (Sansen et al., 2019). Training programs should focus on the benefits of mechanized seeding, such as reduced labor and water usage, and the importance of site-specific nutrient management to maximize productivity (Bautista et al., 2019; Sansen et al., 2019). Additionally, educating farmers on effective weed control practices, such as the use of azimsulfuron in drill-seeded systems, can further enhance profitability and yield (Saha et al., 2021). 6.3 Policy support and supply chain integration Policy support and supply chain integration are essential to facilitate the adoption of optimized seeding methods. Policies that provide subsidies for mechanized equipment, such as the Turbo Happy Seeder, can encourage farmers to transition from traditional methods. Removing subsidies for diesel and electricity, along with enforcing bans on straw burning, can further promote environmentally sustainable practices (Sidhu et al., 2015). Integrating supply chains to ensure the availability of necessary equipment and inputs, such as herbicides for weed control, will support farmers in adopting these optimized practices (Gathala et al., 2011; Saha et al., 2021). 7 Concluding Remarks The adaptability of drill seeding and broadcast seeding in rice-wheat rotation systems has been extensively studied, revealing several key insights. Drill seeding has shown to be more effective in promoting seedling growth and yield compared to broadcast seeding. For instance, strip tillage combined with drill seeding significantly improved tiller number, leaf area, and shoot weight, leading to increased grain yield and nitrogen uptake in wheat. Similarly, mechanized dry direct-seeding of rice using seed drills resulted in higher grain yields and reduced production costs compared to manual broadcast seeding in Thailand. In the Philippines, a hand tractor-mounted seed drill demonstrated comparable rice yields to broadcast seeding while offering greater efficiency. Furthermore, drill seeding has been found to effectively suppress weed growth, which is a major constraint in direct-seeded rice systems. To optimize the use of drill seeding technology, it is recommended to focus on improving the design and functionality of seed drills. Enhancements such as incorporating site-specific nutrient management and ensuring compatibility with various soil conditions can further increase productivity and reduce costs. Additionally, integrating effective weed management strategies, such as the use of specific herbicides like azimsulfuron, can enhance the profitability and sustainability of drill-seeded systems. Encouraging the adoption of technologies like the Turbo Happy Seeder, which allows for direct drilling into rice residues, can also reduce environmental impacts and improve soil health. Future research should aim to address the challenges and limitations identified in current practices. This includes exploring the long-term sustainability of zero-tillage and direct-seeding methods, particularly in terms of soil health and water productivity. Investigating the socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of mechanized seeding technologies, such as the availability of subsidies and farmer education, can provide insights into improving adoption rates. Additionally, further studies on the interaction between seeding methods and weed control practices can help refine strategies for maximizing yield and minimizing resource use. Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank the modification suggestions from Professor Mrs. Jiang on the manuscript of this study. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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