Suitable mechanization for increasing soybean (Glycine max) production under aberrated climatic regime of Madhya Pradesh

As a result of climate change during the last decade, the normal rainfall pattern has been disturbed which resulted in frequent aberrations with extreme situation of sudden downpour or long dry spells resulting in severe stress on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] crop leading to yield reduction. The establishment of in situ rainwater management strategies is essential for minimizing risk of crop failure and stabilizing soybean production. Under such circumstances, KVK, Panna, introduced ridge and furrow equipment for the line sowing of soybean at KVK instructional farm during rainy (kharif) season 2014–17. The maximum yield was recorded in the plants sown in ridge and furrow technique (17.2 q/ha) followed by broad bed furrow technique and sweep seed drill (15.7 and 15.2q/ha, respectively) as compared to broadcasting methods of sowing (11.1 q/ha). The benefit:cost ratio was recorded as high as 1:2.9 under ridge and furrow technique of sowing followed by broad bed furrow technique and sweep seed drill (1:2.7) compared to broadcasting (1:2.0). The ridge and furrow equipment saved more soil moisture (13, 17, 20 and 23% respectively) at 5 days interval for 20 days through increased infiltration rate of rainfall and reduced runoff that lead to slow rate of soil erosion than broadcasting. The furrow allows drainage of excess water in case of heavy precipitation, while also allowing in situ moisture conservation during dry spells, thus mitigating the detrimental effects of excess and dry spell situation in soybean crop.