Productivity and energy use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes under different tillage options in rainfed ecosystem of middle Indo-Gangetic Plains

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 2013–14 and 2014–15 at Patna, Bihar, to assess the productivity of 5 promising genotypes ‘K 9351’, ‘K 7903’, ‘HD 2967’, ‘DBW 14’ and ‘HI 1563’ of wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] under 2 tillage systems (no-till and conventional tillage). No-till (NT) resulted in grain yield on a par with conventional tillage (CT). Among the wheat genotypes, ‘K 7903’ gave significantly higher grain yield under both NT (3.4 t/ha) and CT (3.46 t/ha), followed by ‘HD 2967’ owing to better growth, yield attributes and physiological parameters than the other genotypes. Higher grain yields of ‘K 7903’ and ‘HD 2967’ under both tillage systems were directly correlated to their better leaf chlorophyll retention and maintenance of higher photosynthetic rate during grain-filling period. The maximum net income (19, 687/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.71) were recorded with NT. Among wheat genotypes, ‘K 7903’ had significantly highest net income (26, 759/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.92). Significantly higher energy ratio (8.43), energy profitability (6.0 MJ/kg) and energy-output efficiency (1015.6 MJ/ha/day) were recorded under NT than CT. Among the genotypes, ‘K7903’ was the most energy efficient than rest of the cultivars. Hence, growing of wheat genotypes ‘K 7903’ and ‘HD 2967’ under NT system proved better option in obtaining the maximum productivity, profitability and energy efficiency in middle Indo-Gangetic Plains.