Effect of Conservation Tillage and Residue Mulch on Weed Dynamics and Productivity of Wheat Crop

Conservation tillage and residue mulch plays an important role in controlling weed and enhancing wheat yield. These practices reduce soil disturbance and suppress weeds, improving soil health and moisture retention. This leads to better crop growth and higher wheat productivity.

A experiment was conducted during rabi 2020-21 and 2021-22 at MARS, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad to assess the effect of conservation tillage and residue mulch on weeds in wheat. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with 10 treatment combinations, including a randomized complete block design to compare outside control with treatment combinations.

Experimental results revealed that conventional tillage significantly reduced density of weeds. Conventional tillage decreased the total number of weeds and dry weight of weeds and higher weed control efficiency at 20, 40, 60 DAS and harvest stage, respectively. Conventional tillage significantly higher grain yield resulted lower weed index over minimum tillage. The high infestation of weeds under minimum tillage resulted in the lowest weed control efficiency among the tillage practices. Residue mulch application of glyricidia recorded lower number of weeds and dry weight of weeds. An increase in grain yield was registered with residue mulch application of glyricidia, maize, soybean and groundnut as compared to no residue. Glyricidia residue mulch recorded higher values of weed control efficiency and lower weed index. Based on the findings, it was concluded that conventional tillage with glyricidia residue mulch reduced population of mixed weed flora diversity and resulted in higher grain yield of wheat.