Effect of Puddling on Puddled Soil Characteristics and Performance of Self-propelled Transplanter in Rice Crop
Abstract
A self-propelled rice transplanter was evaluated in different puddled soil condition created by two puddlers and two levels of puddling. Peg type puddler with two passes (P2) produced highest depth of puddling (10.93 cm) and puddling index (30.13%) compared to rotary puddler with one pass (R1) and peg type puddler with one pass (P1). The bulk density of soil increased and hydraulic conductivity decreased 30 and 60 days after puddling (DAP) but puddler and level of puddling had significant (p<0.5) effect on hydraulic conductivity only. The cone index of the puddled soil decreased after puddling and gained strength with sedimentation period. But the increase of cone index was more from 24 to 36 h of sedimentation period (S24 to S36) than 36 to 48 h of sedimentation period (S36 to S48). The hardpan depths, hardness of hardpan and traction wheel sinkage were not so high to create any mobility problem of the transplanter. The buried and floating hill percentage was high at S24 and gradually decreased with increase in sedimentation period. Considering the float sinkage and hill mortality, it was found that for P1 and R1, 36 h of sedimentation (S36) was ideal for transplanting whereas P2 required 48 h of sedimentation period (S48). Maximum grain yield was obtained incase of P2 at S48. Grain yield was influenced by sedimentation period rather than puddler and level of puddling.
