Impact of Sugarcane Mechanization on Rhizosphere

Green revolution helped boosting Indian economy to a respectable attic mainly due to increased crop input use efficiency. Introduction of tractors with pneumatic traction wheels and matching equipment yielded better results by implementing technological recommendations orderly in time. While reaping benefits of the technological advances soil was made to degrade unconsciously. Rhizosphere, the zone around and directly under the influence of roots that is characterized by intense biological and chemical activities, was compressed and made sick. Non-observance of implicit technicality and/or excessive use of machinery are said to be one of the few cause and effects for this alarming soil health problem. Conservation of resources with an objective to sustain and to improve soil productivity is a systematic approach to farming in a cropping system whereby long term sustainability and resource base are given priority over the short-term economic returns. Minimum tillage, improving soil health through deep tillage and through incorporation of farm waste, summer fallowing, green manuring, and increasing water use efficiency to sustain productivity are a few resource management tools that calls for technological intervention for sustaining healthy rhizospheric environment. Mechanical means have the potentiality to help minimize the efforts required to execute the technologies for sustainable agriculture production. However it is advised to use them judiciously to avoid its ill effects as a consequence.