Department of Soil Science, Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, H.P., 176062.
* Present address: Department of Soil Science, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, H.P., 173230.
The experiment consisted of five soil water conservation practices i.e., presowing irrigation and conventional tillage (A), tillage after harvest (B), conventional tillage with Lantana incorporation (C), minimum tillage with the mulch of Lantana (D) and conventional tillage with mulch of Lantana (E) and three levels of N i.e., 0, 60 and 120 kg N ha−1. The relative leaf water content and xylem water potential determined at important growth stages, increased with the application of nitrogen and mulch during both the years of study (1990–91 & 1991–92). Mulching treatments maintained higher relative leaf water content at maximum tillering and flowering stages of wheat. The highest xylem water potential was observed at recommended N level of 120 kg N ha−1 and in mulched treatments. Leaf diffusion resistance and stress-degree-days decreased with the application of nitrogen and mulch. Changes in xylem water potential were more during the morning hours than during evening hours. Crop yield was higher at 120 kg N ha−1 and under mulching treatments.
Tillage, water stress indices, soil water conservation practices, wheat
