DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF FERTILIZER BAND PLACEMENT DRILL FOR WHEAT

In Pakistan, phosphorus (P) fertilizer is conventionally broadcast applied before seeding wheat crop. This soil-surface broadcast is a wasteful method of P fertilizer application. The ill-designed seed-cum fertilizer drills being used in Pakistan either place fertilizer far from the seed furrow or place fertilizer in direct contact with the seed. In the former case fertilizer use efficiency is not increased, and in the latter situation, relatively high rates of ammoniated phosphate fertilizers hamper seed germination and crop yield. To overcome these problems, a drill for fertilizer band-placement in wheat was developed, and field evaluated during 2002-2003 wheat sowing season. This drill places fertilizer about 5 cm away and 5 cm deeper than the seed row. Field experiments have verified that 50% saving of DAP is attained using this drill, compared to broadcast method. In addition, 9% more grain yield was obtained in plots where 50% of the recommended P dose (100 kg DAP/ha) was applied using this drill than in plots where full recommended P dose (200 kg DAP/ha) was applied by broadcast. Economic analysis revealed that a farmer may get a benefit of Rs. 3250/ha by using this technology as compared to the recommended fertilizer broadcast practice.