Effect of Tillage and Organic Mulches on Growth, Yield and Quality of Autumn Planted Maize (Zea Mays L.) and Soil Physical Properties

Abstract The research work was conducted to see the effect of organic mulches and tillage practices on growth, yield and quality of autumn planted maize and soil physical properties. Four types of tillage practices i.e. conventional tillage, zero tillage, bar harrow tillage, subsoiler tillage and two types of mulching material i.e. wheat straw mulch and saw dust mulch was used. The mulching material was partially incorporated in the field after germination of crop. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Control treatment was kept for comparison. All other practices were kept uniform throughout the crop period. Data about growth and yield components were collected and analyzed statistically by fisher analysis of variance and treatment significance was measured by significant difference test at 5v% level. The results showed that zero tillage + wheat straw mulch gave maximum 1000-grain weight (341.67 g) and grain yield (6.33 t ha-1) and it was followed by conventional tillage + saw dust mulch (4.92 t ha-1). Higher protein content was recorded in Subsoiler tillage (10.26 %). Conducive soil physical conditions were observed in the zero tillage practices over the other tillage practices. On the basis of these results it could be proposed that the tillage and mulching is a very important practice to increase the yield of crop. Among different practices, zero tillage with wheat straw mulching gave maximum yield and net benefits.