English

Abstract

In rice-wheat cropping system of Punjab, Pakistan, seeding directly into the standing rice stubbles is gaining popularity. This study was conducted to develop the most favorable and economical no-till technique for wheat sowing in combine-harvested paddy fields with different residue conditions. The experiment was comprised of three no-till techniques viz. (1) turbo seeder, (2) happy seeder and (3) zone disk tiller. There were four heights of standing rice stubbles viz. (1) 15 cm, (2) 30 cm, (3) 45 cm, and (4) 60 cm. Different no-till techniques at various heights of standing rice stubbles significantly affected the stand establishment and yield related traits of wheat during both growing seasons. Turbo seeded plot showed 12-14% more total soil porosity in comparison with zone disk tiller sown field. Conversely, wheat plots sown by zone disk tiller exhibited 8% more soil bulk density than turbo seeder sown field. Better stand establishment and grain yield were observed in turbo seeded wheat in comparison with happy seeder and zone disk tiller sown wheat. Among the stubble heights, wheat crop sown in standing rice stubbles at 45 cm height performed the best with maximum germination, 1000 grain weight and grain yield. Furthermore, turbo seeder in standing rice stubbles at 45 cm height significantly produced 32-35% more benefit cost ratio than zone disk tiller at 15 cm stubble height during both years of experiment. In crux, direct drilling of wheat by turbo seeder in rice field combine harvested at 45 cm stubble height is the most viable technology for rice-wheat cropping system.