Scaling Mechanization and Profitability in Maize Cultivation through Innovative Maize Planters along with Agroforestry Approach: Sustainable and Climate Smart Approach to Diversify Rice Based Cereal Systems in Various Regions

Abstract

Keeping in view declining water tables in India and across the world, low greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and global warming potential (GWP) for maize as compared to rice a study was done on maize planters along with agro forestry concept. The yield for inclined and vertical plate mechanism ranged between 4.96–7.71 t.ha−1 and 6.75–8.61 t.ha−1, respectively. The increase in maize yield in raised bed planters varied between 0.48–2.57 t.ha−1. The maximum yield was recorded from pneumatic raised bed planter with bed of 150 mm height and 711 mm top width (2 rows on each bed). The saving of irrigation water ranged between 9.68–23.69% for raised bed planting (150–290 mm) as compared to flat planting. The specific energy was found minimum for pneumatic raised bed and flat planter as 7.02 and 7.38 MJ.kg−1. The energy productivity was found maximum for pneumatic raised and flat planter as 0.14 Kg.MJ−1 (cost $12.60 per ha and $9.33 per ha ) followed by raised bed inclined plate planter as 0.13 Kg.MJ−1 and were found economical as compared with ridger+manual sowing method (cost $77.62 per ha).