Impact of Ridge and Furrow Method of Planting on Groundnut Yield Attributes in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Climate change is putting increasing pressure on India's farmers' land and natural resources, which they rely on not just to feed the country but also to support their livelihoods. Approximately 30% of land is currently degraded, and rising temperatures mean agriculture will require 30% more water. Innovative approaches are emerging across India to assist farmers in adapting to climate change challenges and mitigating the effects of their farming practises. An innovative ridge and furrow planting pattern and its impact on ground nut crop production was carried out. The field experiment was conducted during the two consecutive Rabi and Kharif seasons of 2020 and 2021 to study ridge and furrow in-situ conservation system for Groundnut crop at farmer’s fields in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh under Southern agro-climatic region. Raised bed planting involves sowing of crops using raised bed maker alternated with furrows for irrigation. Bed width depends upon crop spacing usually ranging from 30 cm, and accommodates crop on raised bed. Raised beds require reshaping each year preferably before Kharif season. Bed planting reduces cost, and saves seed, fertilizer and irrigation water. It also increases water-use efficiency both under rainfed and irrigated scenarios because water moves laterally from furrows into beds thereby reducing evaporation losses. Further lesser incidence of pest and diseases as well as better aeration within furrows. Weed population reduced on ridge and furrow method of planting. The ridge-furrow method of planting groundnut has been reported to save seed and water by 25-30% and fertilizer by 25%, yield enhancement to the extent of 8-23% higher compared to the normal flatbed sowing method. Economic analysis revealed that the net profit was recorded higher under ridge and furrow system compared to normal flatbed sowing. Benefit–cost ratio (BCR) ratio was recorded under ridge and furrow system (5.13) while under flat sowing system (2.20) for the consecutive years respectively.