Effect of Different Planting Techniques and Weeding on Machine Field Capacity and Yield of a Mixed Cropping Small-Holder Farm

Abstract

In this study, a mixed cropping 1 ha farm of maize and cassava was established using different planting and weeding modes to foster small scale agricultural machinery use among small holder farmers. The planting techniques employed include jab, rotary and manual planting while weeding methods include mechanical, chemical and manual weeding. The effects of these treatments were studied using field capacity of planting and weeding, yield of crops, and level of exertion of operator. The experiment was conducted using a split plot design with 2 replicates. The highest field capacity among the planting techniques was that of rotary planting with 1.53 ha / h while 0.012 ha / h was obtained for mechanical weeding. The highest yield of maize of 15.42 t / ha was obtained from rotary planting. All the treatments and their interactions are highly significant. However, there was no significant difference observed between all the variables for manual and mechanical weeding.