Management of sowing time for maximum yield under zero till sown wheat-A review

Wheat is a major staple crop worldwide and holds significant importance in India. Due to its wide adaptability, it can be grown in various climatic conditions, ranging from temperate irrigated areas to dry and high rainfall regions, as well as from warm humid environments to dry cold ones. The timing of sowing is a crucial factor that affects the growth and yield of wheat, along with other cultivation practices. Temperature is another vital weather parameter that influences the growth and development of wheat. Plants require specific temperature conditions to reach certain phenological stages. Being sensitive to temperature, wheat crops in North India tend to mature earlier if sown late, which can negatively impact yield. Therefore, optimizing the sowing time is essential for achieving maximum yield and converting biological yield into economic yield effectively. The delay in sowing wheat often results from the postponed harvesting of rice, ploughing operations, and changes in climate. Research has shown that the yield potential of wheat decreases by 1-1.5% per day for crops sown after mid-November (Hobbs and Gupta, 2003). Zero tillage practices mainly offer positive environmental impacts, such as fuel savings, timely sowing, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and water conservation. It is crucial to assess the appropriate and adequate time for sowing under zero tillage conditions to achieve maximum yieldin Punjab.