Wheat Residue Management Options Affect Crop Productivity, Weed Growth, and Soil Properties in Direct‐Seeded Fine Aromatic Rice

Abstract

Wheat residue management can influence soil health, weed growth, and productivity of subsequent rice crop. A field study was conducted to appraise the influence of different wheat residue management options viz., surface mulching of wheat residue (SMWR), wheat residue soil incorporation, wheat residue burning, zero tillage (ZT), and surface seeding on weed growth, soil physico‐chemical properties, and productivity of fine aromatic rice crop. Traditional transplanted rice (TPR) was maintained as control. The response of rice yield and its components including the number of productive tillers, grains per panicle and 1000‐grain weight differed significantly under the influence of various residue management options. SMWR recorded the highest grain yield (3.86 t ha−1) after TPR (4.18 t ha−1). Furthermore, the leaf area index and crop growth rate were also higher in SMWR and TPR compared with other treatments. Residue management options had a significant effect on weed population and dry biomass. A minimum weed density was observed in TPR (33–39 plants m−2) followed by SMWR (78–93 plants m−2). Available phosphorus in the experimental soil of TPR and SMWR treatments was increased by 74 and 45% compared to its initial value. Moreover, other soil attributes like organic matter, available potassium, and soil nitrogen were also improved by the application of wheat residue. Conclusively, SMWR was the best treatment for direct‐seeded rice among the residues management options in terms of final yield, weed burden, and improvement of soil health, although nitrogen and organic matter was higher under ZT.