Evaluation of the performances of a special combine for direct drilling and two no-till drills for durum winter wheat and maize cultivation in central Italy

摘要

Comparative assessment of a special combine, two no-till drills and the conventional ploughing system were performed in a 2-year period (1991-92) for durum winter wheat and maize at the experimental farm of the University of Pisa, Italy. The no-tillage system, and particularly the reduced tillage system using the combine, were characterized by very low working time, fuel consumption, energy requirement and planting cost as compared to the ploughing system. Moreover, the agronomic performances of the no-till drills and the combine for direct drilling were fairly good when compared to results from the ploughing system. The combine implement was characterized by high efficiency, versatility and multi-valence. The good results suggested that widespread use of the direct drilling and no-tillage systems tested may be possible in central Italy for durum winter wheat and maize cultivation.