Land Leveling by Laser Beam-controlled Motor Grader for Rice Doublecropping under Direct Seeding Culture in Tropical Monsoon Area

An example of Muda Irrigation Scheme of Malaysia

Abstract

In rice double-cropping under direct seeding culture in tropical monsoon areas, uniform and dense germination is essential for both high yield and good weed control.Land leveling is considered to be effective measure for achieving this target.The author carried out examinations in Muda Irrigation Scheme of Malaysia to determine the achievable preciseness of land leveling carried out by motor grader guided by laser beam machine control system.
The preciseness achieved was roughly 3.4 cm in standard deviation in 10 m grid survey after smoothing by drive harrow, in inundated condition.The work rate was approximately 2.6 ha/d. This mode of rapid, low cost and moderately precise land leveling was considered to be necessary for the direct seeding culture, and, therefore, is suggestive for the entire Muda area.
Some more examinations are required to determine the relationship between the preciseness of land leveling and uniform germination, and also on the achievable preciseness of land leveling by other methods, before we can reach any definite conclusions.