Technically performance of alternative crop establishment in rice

Traditionally rice (Oryza sativa L.) is transplanted after puddling which requires heavy amount of water and labour and affects the soil health due to dispersion of soil particles, increases soil compaction and make tillage operations difficult in succeeding crops requiring much energy. The direct seeding was done in puddled, un-puddled conditions and zero tillage fields, whereas, transplantation was done in zero tillage fields and on raised bed. Zero till establishment is used widely for many crops around the world but there has been less work on rice. This technology has potential to save time, energy, water and labour during rice establishment. It has been found that there was a problem of weed control in direct seeded rice particularly under un-puddled conditions.