Assessment of various tillage options in rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) system and optimization of nitrogen dose in wheat

This study was conducted for 4 consecutive years commencing from 2012–13 to 2015–16 at ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, Haryana, India with the objectives to evaluate tillage options in rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system and N-levels in wheat for higher productivity and profitability. Combined analysis of 4 years revealed that puddled transplanted rice produced significantly higher grain yield, which was 19.9 and 13.9% higher than yield obtained under zero-till direct seeded rice and zero-till transplanted rice, respectively. Similarly, conventional-till wheat exhibited significantly higher grain and straw yields, which was 10.9 and 22.4% higher than zero-till wheat respectively. Use of leaf colour chart (LCC) in wheat is very handy and cost effective technology, saved 25 kg N/ha and produced grain yield at par with recommended dose of N. Puddled transplanted rice and conventional-till wheat showed maximum total returns, cost of cultivation and net returns.