Plant Population, Distribution Pattern And Weed Control In Rainfed Agriculture
Cropping pattern in dryland in dependent on quantity and distribution of rainfall, soil type and its depth. In general, cropping intensity in dryland is only 100 percent. It is observed in the farmers field that plant density is low ranging 50 to 60 thousand / ha in dryland. It is possible to increase density of population with early sowing and use of fertilizers. In fact, in may be said that in case of rabi sorghum it would be difficult to get higher production without change in plant density to higher side to about one lakh per ha is desirable for variety M – 35. In case of high yielding varieties it is advisable to go in still higher side. In case of safflower there is remarkable adjusting capacity to plant density. However it is desirable to have plant density between 50 to 100 thousands ha. It is advisable to adjust plant density towards higher side from practical point gives.
Plant geometrical studies revealed that paired planting for Rabi jawar found suitable for maintaining plant density. In case of sunflower planting in square or reciangular had little advantage. A plant density of about 74000/ha with 60 x 22.5 cm spacing is desirable. In subnormal season alternate plant could be removed to reduce density to half is desirable. Density of 1 lakh / ha (30 x 30 cm) give same yield but 1000 grain weight gets reduced. The object of keeping optimum plant population is to get higher production & grain / fodder / ha.