Effect of tillage and weed management on performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in sequence with greengram (Vigna radiata)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of the Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh during 2019–20, to study the effect of tillage and weed-management practices on the performance of wheat, (Triticum aestivum L.) grown after greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek). Zero-till sowing of wheat significantly improved grain yield compared with conventional tillage (CT) but retention of greengram residue along with ZT did not prove beneficial over ZT alone. Pendimethalin applied as pre-emergence was not beneficial as the field was mostly infested with broad-leaf weeds. However, sulfosulfuron applied as post-emergence provided complete control of all weeds, which led to 21.5% higher yield than the unweeded control. Lower cost of cultivation and energy input under ZT led to higher net benefit: cost (B : C) and energy ratio compared with CT.