Impact of different tillage methods on growth, development and productivity of maize (Zea mays)-wheat (Tritcum aestivum) cropping system
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Abstract
An experiment was conducted on a silty clay loam soil of Palampur during 2009–2011, to study the effect of different tillage methods in maize (Zea mays L.) wheat {Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.} cropping system. Results revealed that in maize crop, tillage methods in kharif season resulted in significantly highest emergence count (27.1 plant/m2) under manual seed drill. While, multi-crop planter recorded in significantly taller plants (55.4 cm) at 30 DAS; higher dry matter accumulation 81.0, 990.0 and 4184.4 g/m2 at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, respectively and CGR (30.3 g/day/m2) at 30-60 DAS. Tillage methods in rabi season resulted in higher emergence count (17.6 plant/m2) under zero tillage. This treatment also recorded advanced emergence by 1.2 to 1.5 days. In wheat crop, tillage methods in kharif season resulted in significantly highest emergence count (307.6 plant/m2), taller plants (13.1 cm) at 30 DAS, dry matter accumulation (625.3 g/m2) at 120 DAS and CGR (14.4 g/day/m2) at 90-120 DAS under conventional tillage. While, tillage methods in rabi season resulted in significantly highest emergence count (369.5 plants/m2), tallest plants (17.7, 92.6 and 101.0 cm at 60, 120 and at harvest, respectively) with multi-crop planter. While, zero tillage recorded significantly higher CGR (15.8 g/day/m2) and RGR (0.027 g/g/day) during 120-harvest stage. Zero tillage produced statistically at par crop yield and rainwater-use efficiency of both crops with other tillage treatments. Hence, zero tillage can be as good as other intensive tillage system besides lower input cost and environmental security.
Article Details
Article Details
CGR, Maize-wheat, Rainwater use efficiency, RGR, Zero tillage
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