Performance of Zero-till Fertilizer Drill for Wheat Cultivation at Farmers’ Fields

Field evaluation of zero-till fertilizer drill was conducted at farmer's fields during the years 2012–2013. The results of study were analysed statistically and found that there were significant difference in yield between three treatments with highest yield of 40.20 q/ha for zero-till drill, followed by 39.60 q/ha for reduced tillage and minimum 40.30 q/ha for conventional method. The output to input ratio of 1.76, 1.41 and 1.36 was recorded in zero till-drill, reduced tillage and conventional method respectively. The saving in input cost was recorded as Rs. 2254/ha between zero-till drill and conventional method of seeding. Wheat crop can be harvested 10–15 days early for zero-till drill as compared to conventional method of sowing. This will result in timely sowing of wheat crops and increase in yield. In zero-till drill system the average cost of irrigation was Rs. 2592/ha which was Rs. 667/ha lower in comparison to conventional system and gave 21% saving. It was observed that zero-till drill system was found an acceptable machine by the farmers of district of Baghpat (U.P.) because the zero-till drill system gave highest benefit cost ratio (1.76) in comparison to conventional system.