CONTROLLED TRAFFIC FOR IRRIGATED DOUBLE CROPPING IN A SEMIARID TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT .1. MACHINERY REQUIREMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS

Research was undertaken to assess the potential of using controlled tr affic for irrigated double cropping in a semi-arid tropical environmen t. The research was carried out on a cracking clay soil, in a region w here the climate and availability of irrigation water give the potenti al to grow two crops per year. The controlled traffic system required a number of specific implements to ensure that raised beds could be fo rmed and maintained. Stubble retention, in conjunction with controlled traffic, required the use of planting machinery not usually associate d with the conventional farming systems used in the area. A tractor an d harvester were fitted with narrow section tyres to minimize the like lihood of damage to the edges of raised beds.