Study on influence of tillage methods on productivity of maize

Field experiments were carried out during rabi seasons of 2007–08, 2008–09 and 2009–10 to study the influence of tillage operations on crop establishment and productivity of maize in rice fallows of Vizianagaram district. Maximum number of plants per m², number of cobs per plant, number of grains per cob and grain weight per cob were recorded in ridge sowing followed by zero tillage sowing. Higher maize yield was recorded in maize under ridge sowing (76.49 q/ha) and zero tillage sowing (75.35 q/ha). The cost of maize cultivation was high in ridge sowing (Rs.26,333/ha) and low in zero tillage sowing (Rs.23,000/ha). The comparative economics of maize sowing methods indicated the net income of Rs.58,337/- per ha and B:C ratio of 2.5 with zero tillage sowing; net income of Rs.49,325/- per ha and B:C ratio of 1.78 with ridge sowing; net income of Rs.48,752/- per ha and B:C ratio of 1.89 with conventional line sowing and net income of Rs.45,840/- per ha and B:C ratio of 1.83 with broadcast sowing clearly showing that zero tillage is economically profitable method of maize cultivation.