It is an agricultural machine that enables farmers to sow seeds directly into unplowed fields. Many zero tillage drills are also designed to simultaneously apply fertilizer.
Benefits of zero tillage technology
Reduces cost and time: Zero tillage significantly reduces the need for multiple passes with a tractor for land preparation, leading to substantial savings in fuel, labor, and time.
Improves soil health:
By leaving crop residue on the surface, it increases the soil's organic matter content.
Minimizing soil disturbance protects the soil's structure and reduces erosion.
Conserves water: The residue cover helps conserve soil moisture, which increases the crop's water-use efficiency.
Mitigates air pollution: It prevents the need to burn unwanted crop residues, which helps control air pollution.
Boosts crop yields: Timely sowing, especially in cases of delayed planting, is a key advantage that helps maintain high yields. For example, in the Indo-Gangetic plains, it is an attractive alternative to conventional tillage for planting wheat after a rice harvest.
Helps control weeds: Zero tillage can help reduce the infestation of certain weeds, such as Phalaris minor in wheat crops.
