Vol. 16 No. 3
Effect of tillage practices on growth, yield and economics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in rice fallows of Assam
Author(s): A. M. DEKA, I. A. SHEIKH, D. PATHAK AND C. S. PRAHRAJ
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during winter (Rabi) season of 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 at RARS, Shillongani, Nagaon, Assam in medium low rice lands to study the effect of tillage practices on growth, yield and economics of chickpea raised after rice in rice-fallows of Assam. In rice fallows it is difficult to operate most of the tillage practices properly and timely. In this experiment, 6 tillage practices viz. conventional tillage (2 harrowing + planking) followed by line sowing, direct seeding in untilled field using plough (manually) + mulching with rice straw, direct seeding in untilled field using Zero till drill, reduced tillage (1harrowing +planking) followed by line sowing, reduced tillage (1harrowing +planking) followed by broadcasting seed and broadcasting seed in standing rice 15 days after 50% flowering (relay cropping) were tested in a randomized block design with four replications. Results revealed that among the tillage practices, broadcasting seed in standing rice at 15 days after 50% flowering (relay cropping) recorded significantly higher plant height, pods plant-1, 100 seed weight, grain yield (1231 kg ha-1) and net return (Rs. 50660 ha-1) which was at par with direct seeding in untilled field using plough (manually) + mulching with rice straw. Benefit cost ratio (3.18) was also highest in broadcasting seed in standing rice at 15 days after 50% flowering and it was at par with the treatment of direct seeding in untilled field using Zero till drill . Farmers will be benefited due to low cost of cultivation associated with these practices besides advantage of early harvest at least 15 days and thereby escape premonsoon shower, which is a major constraints of chickpea production in this region.
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