Effect of conservation tillage on moisture conservation, soil-physical conditions, seedling emergence and grain yield of rainfed maize (Zea mays) and wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 1992-95 in maize (Zea mays L.) -wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) sequence under rainfed condition to evaluate the effect of different management practices on moisture conservation, soil-physical conditions and. seedling emergence of wheat, and grain yields of maize and wheat. The different management practices were: T₁ Lantana spreading after harvest of each crop and sowing with minimum tillage and
Lantana residue mulch; T₂, Lantana spanding in maize on receding monsoon and sowing of wheat with minimum tillage
and Lantana residue mulch; T₃, same as T₂ but incorporation of Lantana at sowing of wheat; T₄, conventional tillage to maize and deep tillage to wheat; T₅, deep tillage to maize and conventional tillage to wheat; and T₆' conventional tillage and farmyard manure incorporation at sowing of crop. The study revealed that T₂ treatment conserved sufficient moisture and resulted in timely sowing of rain fed wheat with higher seedling emergence and grain yield. The T₁ treatment was the next best alternative for timely sowing of maize and wheat. Application of Lantana either as mulch (T₁ and T₂) or incorporated (T₃) helped in the build-up of soil-organic carbon. The treatment of minimum tillage done to both crops (T₁) did not increase the bulk density to the extent of causing ill effect on plant growth.