Effect of conservation agriculture practices and irrigation scheduling on productivity and water-use efficiency of maize (Zea mays)wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during 201112 and 201213 at the research farm of IGAR-lndian Agricul- tural Research Institute, New Delhi, India, in sandy-loam soil, to study effect of conservation agriculture practices and irrigation scheduling on productivity and water-use effi0ienoy of maize (Zea mays L.)wheat [Triticum aestivum (L) emend. Fiori & Paol.l cropping system. The grain yield of maize was significantly higher under raised bed (RB) planting to the tune of 13.3% over conventional tillage (CT) during both the years. The increase in irriga- tion water-use efficiency (IWUE) of maize was 4046% and higher with RB and zero tillage (ZT) over CT respectively. Residue retention was more beneficial under RB than residue incorporation in CT. In wheat, 613% higher grain yield under RB was found in comparison to GT. The increase in IWI-JE of wheat was found higher in RB (3240%) compared to ZT (812%) over CT, as the grain yield was more with per unit of water applied under RB- The highest system productivity was recorded under RB (9.92 and 9.80 t/ha) followed by ZT (9.08 and 9.04 t/ ha) and the minimum under GT (8.63 and 8.84 t/ha during 201112 and 201213 respectively) during both the years. The yield of crops and system productivity improved owing to application of crop residue. The results also revealed that system productivity of maizewheat cropping system was significantly influenced because of ditfer- ent irrigation scheduling during both the years. Adoption of RB with crop residue along with 40% available soil- moisture depletion (ASMD) can be recommended for improving resource-use efficiency and productivity of maize wheat cropping system.