Effect of tillage and weed control measures on the yield and economic efficiency of maize under rainfed conditions of semi-arid region

A field experiment was conducted for two years (2015 and 2016) to study the impact of tillage and weed management practices on weed control, grain yield and the economic efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.) in the semi-arid region of central India. The study was conducted in split-plot design with two tillage practices: conventional tillage (CT) and zero tillage (ZT), randomly allotted to main plots and four weed control treatments, viz. pre-emergence application (PE) of atrazine 1.0 kg/ha; post-emergence application (PoE) of 2, 4-D 0.75 kg/ha; hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) and weedy check, into subplots and replicated thrice. CT recorded significantly lowest weed density and biomass and highest maize grain yield (3.01 t/ha), net returns (₹ 29.77×10³/ha) and maize production efficiency (28.07 kg/ha/day). Amongst weed control treatments the hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS resulted in the lowest weed density and biomass and highest maize grain yield (3.17 t/ha) and production efficiency (29.64 kg/ha/day). However, atrazine 1.0 kg/ha PE has resulted in to the highest net returns (₹ 30.30× 10³/ha) and maize economic efficiency (₹ 283/ ha/day). Thus, CT with hand weedings twice at 20 and 40 DAS and atrazine 1.0 kg/ha PE at 2 DAS proved better to improve weed control efficiency and attain higher maize grain yield, and economic efficiency.