Effect of Tillage, Mulching and Weed Management on Performance of Maize (Zea mays) in Karnataka

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2010 and 2011 to study the effect of tillage (conventional tillage, zero tillage and minimum tillage), mulching (no mulch and with mulch) and weed management practices (unweeded check, atrazine, and atrazine followed by 2, 4-D spray) on rainfed maize in Karnataka. Tillage, mulching and weed management practices significantly influenced the growth and yield of maize. Maize grain yield (5.91 t/ha) was significantly higher in conventional tillage system as compared to other tillage practices. Application of atrazine followed by 2,4-D recorded higher grain yield (5.99 t/ha) than rest of the treatments. Minimum tillage with mulching and application of atrazine @ 1.25 kg/ha followed by 2,4-D @ 2.00 kg/ha recorded highest net returns ( 36985/ha). The combined effect of conventional tillage with mulching and application of atrazine @ 1.25 kg/ha followed by 2,4-D @ 2.00 kg/ha and minimum tillage with mulching and application of atrazine followed by 2,4-D enhanced the vegetative growth, yield attributes and economics of maize compared to other treatments.