Effect of tillage and nutrient management on resource conservation and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted from 2003 to 2005 at Jammu Chatha to study the effect of tillage and nutrient management on resource conservation and productivity of wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) Fiori & Paol.] in basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) - wheat system. Zero tillage significantly improved the physico-chemical properties of soil viz., available N, P and K with concomitant increase in field capacity storage, permanent wilting point and soil moisture content. Bulk density values in the soil layers of 0–15 and 15–30 cm depth were higher under zero tillage. Conventional tillage though recorded 5.2 and 3.6% more grain yield of wheat than zero tillage. Tillage methods did not influence dry matter accumulation, grain and biological yields of wheat during both the years. Increasing fertility level from 75 to 100% of recommended fertilizer dose (100, 50 and 25 kg/ha of N, P and K) significantly increased the growth and yield of wheat during both the years, whereas further increase in recommended dose to 125% did not show significant impact on growth and yield of wheat.