In this article we discuss about the methods of rotary tilling.
1. Plane Tilling:
There are various ways of tilling by the rotary tiller, but the method most commonly used at present is the “every other row tilling” method because it is very efficient and is very simple.
I. Every Other Row Tilling Method:
Take the power tiller and put it into the paddy field which is to be tilled, and first till along the levee on the long side. Next, leaving a space which is little narrower than the tilling width (this depends upon the skill of the operator but a width of about 3 to 6 cm) till the whole paddy field. In other words, the every other row tilling method is tilling with a space between the tilling. After every other row tilling method has been completed till the place which has not been tilled.
In this case, the front wheels will pass over a place which has previously been tilled so it would sink a little, which in other words means that the tilling would be a little deeper than the previously tilled parts. Therefore, by the use of the rear wheel height adjusting lever, raise the rotary part a little so that the foundation of the tilling would be the same for both tilling.
At the end, the headlands which have been left unfilled should be tilled. When the headland is finished, the tilling job is finished.
II. Close by Tilling Method:
In close by tilling method whole field is tilled in an orderly fashion, one row after another. This method requires a comparatively high skill so it is not commonly adopted.
One of the wheels pass over a tilled plot.
2. Puddling:
If a puddler and field leveller is attached to the rear of the rotary tiller, it is possible to do efficient puddling work to a width of about 1.5 metre to 2 metre.
3. Ridging:
The ridger should be attached and adjusted in the power tiller.
The following are some of the methods in doing ridging work:
i. Ridge with Core:
Attach a ridger to the rotary tiller and make the ridges by doing ridging work together with the rotary work.
Advantages:
(a) Drainage is very good in wet paddy fields,
(b) Very efficient.
ii. Ridge by Every Other Row Method:
First make the rotary tilling tines face inwards and attach the rear two wheels. Then till in the every other row method. When this is finished, turn the tilling tines outside and attach the ridger and make ridges on the unfilled part.
Advantages:
(a) The soil will be uniformly pulverized,
(b) Machine proceeds very straight,
(c) There is restriction on the width of the ridge.
iii. Ridge after Plane Tilling:
First till the whole plot of land by the ordinary rotary tilling method. In doing this, take into consideration the progress of the ridge work to be done later and be very careful to proceed straight. Next, turn the tilling tines outwards, set the ridger and do the ridging work.
Advantages:
(a) The width of the ridges can be made to any desired width.
(b) The soil will be pulverized uniformly.
(c) Very inefficient.
(d) If rotary tilling has not been performed in a straight line, the ridges cannot be formed in a straight line.