Validation of fertilizer adjustment equations of wheat (Triticum aestivum) grown under rainfed conditions with consewation tillage and seed soaking in Himachal Pradesh*

Abstract

A 2-year field study was carried out during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2004-05 and 2005-06 at Palampu to evaluate the fertilizer adjustment equations of wheat grown with conservation tillage and seed soaking under rainfed conditions. The treatments comprised, viz tillage operationsconservation tillage (mulch application at harvest and sowing of wheat with minimum tillage) and conventional tillage, yield targets - 1.5 and 2.5 tonnesha and seed soaking - dry seeding and pre-soaking in water. The results indicated that conservation tillage and seed soaking in water at both yield targets had higher moisture content (0.6 - 4.5 %) at sowing, higher seedling emergence (4.7 - 32.0 %) and emergence velocity (1.8 - 4.1 % I day) which ultimately resulted in increase in grain yields (441 - 933 kglha) as c,ompared to conventional tillage and dry seeding. Also per cent deviation from target yield was either within range or more than target yield in conservation tillage and seed soaking.