Rupasinghe S, 2024. Innovative sowing and seedbed management for resilient maize, rice, and wheat production in arid zones. Trends in Animal and Plant Sciences 4: 106-111. https://doi.org/10.62324/TAPS/2024.052

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The establishment and yield of maize, rice, and wheat in drought-prone regions are influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors. Effective crop management practices can mitigate the adverse impacts of these factors, potentially reducing production costs and enhancing yields. This paper explores a range of innovative sowing techniques and seedbed management practices tailored for arid environments. We examine the effectiveness of methods such as direct seeding, variable-rate seeding, night-time sowing, and traditional practices like bed- and raised-bed sowing, mulching, and the incorporation of organic matter into the seedbed. These practices have been found to improve crop establishment, increase water use efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, we review technological innovations including precision agriculture tools, advanced irrigation systems, and soil moisture sensors that further optimize these practices. While these methods have demonstrated success for maize, rice, and wheat under specific conditions, there is no universal approach applicable to all scenarios. Adoption of these techniques may be influenced by factors such as farm size and crop type. The paper highlights existing knowledge gaps regarding the broader applicability of these methods across diverse pedo-climatic conditions and emphasizes the need for further research to validate their effectiveness in a wider range of crops and drought-prone regions.