Effect of sowing date and tillage on soil properties, nutrient uptake and yield of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) grown in winter rice (Oryza sativa)-fallows

An experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 1997–98 and 1998–99 under rainfed medium-land situation, to find out the effect of sowing date and tillage practices on soil properties, nutrient uptake and seed yield of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) grown in winter rice (Oryza sativa L.)-fallows at Jorhat. The crop sown on 10 November recorded significantly higher seed yield and total N, P and K uptake in both the years. Normal tillage with rice straw mulching resulted in significantly higher uptake of N, P and K and seed yield. This treatment recorded the lowest values for available N, P₂O₅ and K₂O in soil at crop harvest. Bulk density of 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm soil layers was also minimum and as a result total porosity was maximum under this treatment. Minimum tillage with standing rice straw intact emerged superior to normal tillage without straw mulch and minimum tillage without standing straw in respect of seed yield and nutrient uptake.