Economics of tillage and weed-management system for wheat (Triticum aestivum) after lowland rice (Oryza sativa)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 1997-98 and 1998-99, to study economics of tillage and weed-management system for wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.] after lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.). Tillage practices significantly reduced the moisture content and bulk density of the soil than zero- tillage. Farmer's practice recorded the lowest moisture content in the soil, whereas minimum bulk density of the soil was associated with rotavator twice. Rotavator twice significantly reduced the weed population and weed dry biomass than farmer's practice and zero tillage and recorded significantly higher values for yield attributes and grain and straw yields. Rotavator twice also recorded significantly higher net returns than farmer's practice and zero tillage. Farmer's practice recorded significantly lower benefit : cost ratio than rotavator once or twice. Higher values for yield attributes and grain and straw yields were recorded in hand-weeded plot which were at par with mixture of 2,4-D + isoproturon but significantly higher than 2,4-D or isoproturon applied alone. Net returns with hand-weeding and 2,4-D + isoproturon were at par, while the later recorded significantly higher benefit :cost ratio than hand-weeding.