Degrees of Mechanization: Maize Planters for Smallholder Farmers in Conservation Agriculture (CA) Systems.

Globally, smallholder farmers use a wide array of mechanization tools and devices to seed their crops.  Their level of mechanization varies from hand tools to make seeding holes in the soil to modern soil opening and seed metering implements. For a Conservation Agriculture (CA) system, the planting tool employed must penetrate residue cover and non-tilled soil surfaces. Seven planters (five hand planters, one mechanized planter and a control) were evaluated based on population establishment, crop growth stage, heights and final grain yield of maize (Zea mays, L.) when planted in long-term no-till plots. Two trials, one in maize residue and one in soybean (Glycine max, L.) residue were conducted. The experiment site is in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. Experimental conditions sought to mimic smallholder conditions through hand harvesting. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. In conjunction with plant measurements, economic analyses involving cost per acre and depreciation were done to evaluate further the seven planters of interest.