Effect of conservation agriculture practices and irrigation scheduling on productivity and water-use efficiency of maize (Zea mays)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system

A field experiment was carried out during 2011–12 and 2012–13 at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India, in sandy-loam soil, to study effect of conservation agriculture practices and irrigation scheduling on productivity and water-use efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.)-wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] cropping system. The grain yield of maize was significantly higher under raised bed (RB) planting to the tune of 13.3% over conventional tillage (CT) during both the years. The increase in irrigation water-use efficiency (IWUE) of maize was 40–46% and 10–16% higher with RB and zero tillage (ZT) over CT respectively. Residue retention was more beneficial under RB than residue incorporation in CT. In wheat, 6–13% higher grain yield under RB was found in comparison to CT. The increase in IWUE of wheat was found higher in RB (32–40%) compared to ZT (8–12%) over CT, as the grain yield was more with per unit of water applied under RB. The highest system productivity was recorded under RB (9.92 and 9.80 t/ha) followed by ZT (9.08 and 9.04 t/ha) and the minimum under CT (8.63 and 8.84 t/ha during 2011–12 and 2012–13 respectively) during both the years. The yield of crops and system productivity improved owing to application of crop residue. The results also revealed that system productivity of maize-wheat cropping system was significantly influenced because of different irrigation scheduling during both the years. Adoption of RB with crop residue along with 40% available soilmoisture depletion (ASMD) can be recommended for improving resource-use efficiency and productivity of maize-wheat cropping system.