Comparative study of no-tillage and full-tillage practices in irrigated rice production

The study determined the difference between Full-Tillage (farmers' practice) and No-Tillage production practices in irrigated land. This was conducted during the dry season cropping of November 2006 to May 2007 in the 500 sq m area, a portion of Farmer-Cooperator's field in Barangay [village] Bangad, Cabanatuan City. Source of irrigation for the area is from the Upper Pampanga Irrigation Systems (UPRIIS). This is a non-replicated study. The area was divided into two blocks which served as treatments. An area of 250 sq m in each block was provided for the two treatments namely: T1 = Full Tillage (farmers' practice); T2 - No - Tillage. Results of the study revealed that the average yield per square meter and computed yield per hectare of these rice plants grown under No-Tillage practices, 634 grams per sq m and 126.8 cavans per hectare, respectively, is numerically higher than the yield of those rice plants grown under Full-Tillage, 558 grams per sq m and 116.6 cavans/ha. Other yield characteristics such as number of tillers, panicles and filled grains were also higher in those plants grown under No-Tillage. Cost and return analysis showed that No-Tillage practice is more profitable than the Full-Tillage practice. Primary reason is the reduced cost for land preparation. In DS [dry season] 2009 to DS 2010, Phil Rice Central Experiment Station (CES) also conducted a verification tests to compare its efficiency and effectiveness of the No-Tillage technology versus Full-Tillage. Results showed that No-Tillage technique is a viable alternative compared to Full-Tillage because it reduced production cost by about 6-20% and water usage by about 30%. To further refine and validate the technology, the Technology Management and Services Division of PhilRice - CES is currently conducting transplanted and direct-seeded trials showcasing the No-Tillage technology this DS 2012.