Yield and Seed Quality of Summer Green Gram as Influenced by Weed Management under Zero Tillage

Background: Weeds are primary factors that adversely affect growth, yield and seed quality of summer green gram, which can be minimized with adoption of proper weed management practices. This field experiment was conducted to find out the effective weed management practice in summer green gram (Vigna radiata) under zero tillage condition. Methods: In this field-laboratory investigation conducted during summer season 2019 on different herbicides were applied to manage weeds in summer green gram. Eight treatments were applied based on various application windows. In the field and laboratory, the collected samples were determined for growth parameters, nutrient uptakes, seed yield and seed quality of summer green gram. Result: The result revealed that weed free treatment recorded higher growth parameters like, plant height, number of branch/plant, number of leaves/plant and root biomass which was statically at par with Shaked (Propaquizafop + Imezathyper) as post-emergence (POE) at 20 DAS and Pendimethalin as pre-emergence (PE) followed by one hand weeding 20 DAS. Same trends were also observed in seed yield, nutrient content and uptake by seeds. Seed quality parameters like germination per cent (98.00), shoot (25.63 cm) root (14.20 cm) and seedling length (39.83 cm), seedling dry weight (0.16 g), vigour index I (3903.33) and vigour index II (14.96) was higher under weed free followed by Shaked (Propaquizafop + Imezathyper) and Pendimethalin as (PE followed by one hand weeding 20 DAS over weed check.

Zero Tillage, Residue Retention and System-Intensification with Legumes for Enhanced Pearl Millet Productivity and Mineral Biofortification

Pearl millet-based cropping systems with intensive tillage operations prior to sowing have limited sustainable productivity in the low-irrigation conditions of semi-arid farming ecologies, such as those in the north Indian plains. The adoption of improved management practices such as zero tillage with residue retention (ZTR) and diversification with the inclusion of summer pulse crops has the potential to improve cropping system sustainability. Therefore, an experiment was designed to compare two improved management practices, zero tillage (ZT) and ZTR, to conventional tillage (CT), across three pearl millet-based cropping systems: pearl millet–chickpea (PM–CP), PM–CP–mungbean (MB), and PM–CP–forage pearl millet in a two-year experiment. Experimental treatments were compared in terms of pearl millet productivity, mineral biofortification, and greenhouse gas emissions. Results showed a significant increase in pearl millet yield attributes, grain and stover productivity, nutrient uptake, and micronutrient biofortification in the PM–CP–MB cropping system under ZTR relative to other treatment combinations. On-farm evaluation at different locations also showed that the intensification of PM–CP system using summer crops enhanced pearl millet productivity across diverse tillage systems. Overall, zero tillage practices combined with diversified pearl millet-based cropping systems are likely to be management practices, which farmers can use to sustainably maintain or increase cropping system productivity in the various semi-arid areas of the world.

Using Sentinel-2 to Track Field-Level Tillage Practices at Regional Scales in Smallholder Systems

Zero tillage is an important pathway to sustainable intensification and low-emission agriculture. However, quantifying the extent of zero tillage adoption at the field scale has been challenging, especially in smallholder systems where field sizes are small and there is limited ground data on zero tillage adoption. Remote sensing offers the ability to map tillage practices at large spatio-temporal scales, yet to date no studies have used satellite data to map zero tillage adoption in smallholder agricultural systems. In this study, we use Sentinel-2 satellite data, random forest classifiers, and Google Earth Engine to map tillage practices across India’s main grain producing region, the Indo-Gangetic Plains. We find that tillage practices can be classified with moderate accuracy (an overall accuracy of 75%), particularly in regions with relatively large field sizes and homogenous crop management practices. We find that models that use satellite data from only the first half of the growing season perform as well as models that use data throughout the growing season, allowing for the creation of within-season tillage maps. Finally, we find that our model can generalize well through time in the western IGP, with reductions in accuracy of only 5–10%. Our results highlight the ability of Sentinel-2 satellite data to map tillage practices at scale, even in smallholder systems where field sizes are small and cropping practices are heterogeneous.

Soil organic carbon and labile and recalcitrant carbon fractions attributed by contrasting tillage and cropping systems in old and recent alluvial soils of subtropical eastern India

Conservation agriculture-based sustainable intensification (CASI) technologies comprising zero-tillage with crop residue retention (>30%) on the soil surface, diversified cropping systems, and balanced nutrient management are recognized as operative and efficacious strategies to ensure food security in the parts of South Asia. The present investigation was a component of CASI technologies undertaken in the farmers’ field of Malda (old alluvial Inceptisol) Coochbehar (recent alluvial Entisol) district, West Bengal (subtropical eastern India). This study was conducted to evaluate the short-term impact of contrasting tillage (zero and conventional) and cropping systems (rice–wheat and rice–maize) on total organic carbon (TOC) and its fractions, viz., labile pool-1 (LP1), labile pool-2 (LP2) and recalcitrant carbon (RC) fractions after 4-year trial of conservation agriculture (CA) in the old and recent alluvial soils. Soil samples were collected from three depths (0–5, 5–10, and 10–20 cm), and thus, our study was focused on two factors, viz., cropping system and tillage. Results pointed that TOC along with LP1, LP2, and RC fractions under rice–maize (RM) cropping system were significantly (p<0.05) greater (15–35%) over rice–wheat (RW) system as a result of higher residue biomass addition. Zero-tillage (ZT) improved the C fractions by 10–20% over conventional tillage (CT) in all aspects. TOC and its fractions were observed to be greater under the ZT system in the topmost soil depths (0–5 and 5–10 cm), but the same system failed to improve these at 10–20 cm. Interestingly, the CT increased all the fractions at 10–20 cm depth due to the incorporation of crop residues. The concentration of TOC along with its fractions decreased with increasing soil depth was evident. Comparatively, all the C fractions, including TOC were maximum in soils from Malda sites as compared to Coochbehar sites because of a higher amount of residue biomass application, higher clay content, and greater background content of C in these soils. All the studied C fractions showed a significant correlation (r = >0.635; p<0.01) with TOC among all the soil depths in both the districts but the relationship with soil texture showed some interesting results. TOC fractions were significantly correlated (p<0.01) with clay particles indicating that its higher stabilization with clay in old alluvial Inceptisol (Malda); while in recent alluvial Entisol (Coochbehar), sand particle showed its strong relation with TOC fractions. Higher stratification ratio (SR) in the ZT system suggested that the concentration of TOC and its fractions are confined to the upper soil layers whereas in the case of CT, by and large, the distribution of these was comparatively high in subsequent soil depths due to residue incorporation effect. The concentration of C fractions in soils followed the order: TOC > RC > LP2 > LP1. The present investigation concluded that ZT under the RM system increases the turnover rates of C in both soil types but the amount of clay influences the stabilization/storage of C.

The effect of tillage depth and traffic management on soil properties and root development during two growth stages of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The management of agricultural soils during crop establishment can affect root development by changes to soil structure. This paper assesses the influence of tillage depth (250 mm, 100 mm &amp; zero) and traffic management (conventional tyre pressure, low tyre pressure &amp; no traffic) on wheat root system architecture during winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) tillering and flowering growth stages (GS) on a long-term tillage trial site. The study revealed that zero-tillage systems increased crop yield through significantly greater root biomass, root length density and deeper seminal rooting analysed using X-ray Computed Tomography (CT). In general, conventional pressure trafficking had a significant negative influence on crop yield, root development, bulk density and total soil porosity of deep and shallow tillage conventional pressure systems compared no traffic zero and deep tillage systems. Visual improvements in soil structure under zero tillage may have improved crop rooting in zero tillage treatments through vertical pore fissures (biopores), enhancing water uptake during the crop flowering period. This study highlights the implications of soil structural damage on root system architecture created by compaction in crop production. The constricted root systems found in conventional pressure shallow tillage, zero and deep tillage trafficked regimes emphasizes the importance of using technology to improve soil management and reduce the trafficked areas of agricultural fields.

Effect of Sowing Dates, Tillage and Establishment Methods on Growth and Yield of Mustard

This experiment was conducted at College Farm, Agricultural College, Polasa, Jagtial in Rabi, 2019-20. The experiment was laid out in strip-plot design with T1-Zero tillage with direct sowing, T2-Zero tillage with transplanting, T3-Conventional tillage with direct sowing and T4-Conventional tillage with transplanting in 4 horizontal strips and D1-15 November, D2-25 November and D3-5 December sowing dates in 3 vertical strips. Nursery was prepared 15 days earlier to sowing date for transplanting. Direct sowing and transplanting was carried out on same date. Among tillage practices with establishment methods, significantly the highest performance of growth parameters was obtained with T4 and lowest response under T1. Significantly higher values of growth parameters were recorded under early sowing date (15 November) followed by 25 November and lowest was registered on 5 December. The number of siliqua plant-1, seeds siliqua-1 was significantly higher under T4 which resulted in higher seed yield (754.38 kg ha-1), stover yield (1815.40 kg ha-1) and was comparable with T3. Higher number of siliqua per plant-1 and number of seeds per siliqua-1 resulting in higher seed yield (944.55 kg ha-1) and stover yield (1943.12 kg ha-1) were recordeed on 15 November followed by 25 November and lowest was registered on 5 December.

Removal of Biomass and Nutrients by Weeds and Direct-Seeded Rice under Conservation Agriculture in Light-Textured Soils of North-Western India

The escalating scarcity of irrigation water, transplantation of rice on light-textured soils and labour cost acted as major drivers for the transition towards direct-seeded rice (DSR) cultivation from the conventionally flooded transplanting system. Despite these advantages, DSR is a challenge in light texture soil due to heavy weed infestation and a slight decline in crop yield. The weeds compete for nutrients and have an adverse effect on the growth and yield of crops. Hence, to assess the removal of macro and micronutrients by weeds and direct-seeded rice, a field experiment was carried out on sandy loam soil for two consecutive Kharif seasons (2018 and 2019). Three treatments from rice, namely: DSR under zero tillage (DSR-ZT), DSR under conventional tillage (DSR-CT) and DSR under reduced tillage (DSR-RT) were taken as main plots with three tillage treatments in wheat, namely: Conventional tillage without rice straw (CTW-R), Zero tillage without rice straw (ZTW-R) and Zero tillage with straw as mulch using Happy Seeder (ZTW+R) as subplots, replicated thrice. Among the rice establishment methods, DSR-RT showed an edge in terms of rice grain and straw yield (6.18 and 8.14 Mg ha−1, respectively) as well as macro- and micronutrient uptake by rice. Under management practices, ZTW+R proved as an efficient strategy in terms of yield and nutrient uptake by crops. The contribution of weeds towards biomass production was maximum under the ZTW-R (9.44%) treatment followed by DSR-ZT (7.72%). The nutrient budgeting showed that macro- and micronutrient removal by weeds was minimum under reduced tillage (24.51 and 50.35%, respectively), whereas it was 21.88 and 44.87% when wheat was grown under conventional tillage without rice straw. In overall, the research study concluded that weeds on an average remove 25.65 % macronutrients (N, P, K) and 51.47% of micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) in DSR under rice-wheat cropping system.

Zinc Effects Yield of Mustard (Brassica campestris L.) Under Zero Tillage

Zero or no tillage (ZT) mustard (Brassica campestris L.) cultivation is being increased and popularized these days in Bangladesh. But micronutrient management specially Zinc (Zn) with recommended dose of NPKSB fertilizers are poorly practiced in this type of cultivation. Micro nutrient deficiency is an emerging problem due continuous usage of soil resources (ground water, intensive cultivation etc.). Thus, to sustain and adopt the potential yield of modern mustard varieties all types fertilization is must. Basing on this problem an investigation was employed at Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) Sub-station, farm, Ishurdi, Pabna to find out definite dose of zinc application under zero tillage mustard cultivation for maximizing seed yield. The study was laid in a factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Two modern varieties viz. Binasarisha-10 (V1) and BARI Sarisha-14 (V2) were tested with six level of Zn doses viz. 0.0 kg ha-1 (T1), 1.5 kg ha-1 (T2), 3.0 kg ha-1 (T3), 4.5 kg ha-1 (T4), 6.0 kg ha-1 (T5) and 7.5 kg ha-1 (T6). Seed were line broadcasted after harvesting T. aman rice during Rabi 2020 season. Data on yield parameters were collected after final harvesting and analyzed by Statistix 10. Results divulge that maximum straw and seed yield was attained with treatment combinations V1T4 (3.63 t ha-1) and V2T4 (2.24 t ha-1) with V2T3 (2.18 t ha-1). Whereas, the minimum was obtained from V2T5 (2.51 t ha-1) and V1T1 (0.99 t ha-1) along with V2T1 (1.01 t ha-1). Hence, soil application of Zn between 3 kg ha-1 to 4.5 kg ha-1 may give satisfactory yield for ZT farming.

Weed Problems in Uruguayan Agriculture: Evolution and Current Situation

Uruguayan agriculture has undergone dramatic changes in the last 50 years driven by the adoption of new agricultural production systems that incorporate zero tillage and herbicide resistant crops. This has resulted in a shift in weed species frequencies and the dispersion of introduced herbicide resistant weed populations. Finally, integrated weed management tools are being developed by research and extension services to manage herbicide-resistant (HR) weeds better and to reduce environmental impact of herbicides.

Influence of tillage systems and herbicides on weed control and yield of cotton in wheat-cotton system

Wheat–cotton system is a major production system in Pakistan, however, cotton yield is declining in the system most likely due to weeds infestation and intensive tillage practices. Conservation tillage such as reduced and zero tillage in combination with appropriate herbicide may have the potential to enhance cotton yield on sustainable basis. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of herbicides under different tillage systems on weed control and cotton yield in wheat-cotton system. A field experiment was conducted at Cotton Research Station, Ratta Kulachi, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, during 2017 and 2018. In the experiment, post-emergence herbicides, i.e. floxyfop-R-methyl 10.8 EC (108 g a.i. ha-1), lactofen 24 EC (168 g a.i. ha-1), floxyfop 10.8 EC + lactofen 24 EC, hand weeding, weedy check and three tillage systems (zero tillage, reduced tillage and conventional tillage) were evaluated in randomized compete block design (RCBD), with split plot arrangements, replicated 4 times. Tillage was allotted to main plots while herbicides were applied to subplots. The results revealed that hand weeding and floxyfop as post emergence alone or in combination with lactofen reduced weed density to the minimum irrespective of the tillage systems. Maximum dry weed biomass was recorded in control. Interaction effects revealed that reduced tillage in combination with broad spectrum herbicides had maximum weed population reduction percentage. Reduced tillage with broad spectrum herbicides had seed cotton yield compared to zero and conventional tillage. In conclusion, broad-spectrum herbicides under reduced tillage were more productive in wheat based cropping system on silty clay soil of D.I.Khan.