Abstract
We studied non-puddling direct rice seeding into flooded paddy field soil, which uses a seedbed produced with a chisel plow and a power harrow, with seeding by a precision direct drill seeder. Those methods apparently improve spring work related to rice direct seeding, such as tillage, harrowing, and puddling. Therefore, we investigated the work rate and fuel consumption of spring work, rice growth, yield, and brown rice quality. These data of non-puddling direct rice seeding cultivation (NP) compiled during 4 years were compared with those obtained from conventional tillage cultivation (CT). Seedbed preparation work using a chisel plow and power harrow achieved 63.4–73.5% soil pulverization ratios. The precision direct seeder can sow into non-puddled soil 3–4 days after flooding softens the soil. Seedbed preparation work time and fuel consumption in the NP block were decreased respectively by 41% and 26% compared to the CT block. The NP block seeding establishment rate was 71.7% on average, which was higher than that of CT block. These test blocks showed sufficient seeding establishment. The NP block showed faster midseason drainage for soil moisture, with a higher percentage of the productive culms and lower generation of non-productive tillers, with an equal or greater number of panicles than the CT block.
