Performance evaluation of bullock drawn five row seed cum fertilizer drill

Abstract

Seed sowing is a critical operation influencing crop establishment and yield. In Odisha, smallholder farmers largely depend on traditional broadcasting methods, which often result in non-uniform seed distribution, improper seeding depth, and excessive seed rates, leading to poor crop stands. Bullock-drawn seed drills provide an appropriate alternative for small and fragmented landholdings due to their low cost, fuel-free operation, and lightweight design that minimizes soil compaction and preserves soil health. This study evaluated the field performance of a bullock-drawn five-row seed cum fertilizer drill. The implement achieved an actual field capacity of 0.212 ha h⁻¹ at an average operating speed of 2.172 km h⁻¹, with an average seed placement depth of 2.53 cm. Field efficiency was recorded as 78.08%, with a power requirement of 0.4 hp and a seed rate of 41.67 kg ha⁻¹. The standard deviation of seed distribution among seed tubes was 2.177, indicating satisfactory uniformity. The results confirm that bullock-drawn seed cum fertilizer drills offer an efficient and sustainable solution for improving sowing precision in small-scale farming systems of Odisha.