Crop residue management for increase Wheat (Triticum aestivum) production under saline soils of arid fringes

Abstract

In a 4-year (1998-99 to 2001-2002) field experiment at Pali-Marwar, Rajasthan, the effect of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] and taramira (Eruca sativa Mill.) residue and/or farmyard manure (FYM) incorporation on grain yield of wheat (Triticurn aestivurn L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) was assessed in fallow-wheat system. Incorporation of Indian mustard straw + FYM (1:1), taramira straw + FYM (1:l) and FYM at 10 tonneska during preceding rainy season increased dry-matter production of wheat 18.5,15.5 and 1 KO%, respectively, over rainy season fallow (control) plot. Incorporation of Indian mustard or taramira residue with FYM (1:l) and FYM at 10 tonneshawith the onset of monsoon rains significantly increased grain yield of wheat by 23.2, 24.8 and 20.9%, respectively, over the control. Bulk density of soil decreased (1.42-1.27) and field capacity of soil increased (17.95-2 1.41) due to incorporation of crop residues and/or FYM and the effect was more pronounced when it was added at 10 tonneska. Soil incorporation of crop residue increased organic C (0.35 to 0.64), availableN (2 13.0 to 282.8) and available P (1 1 .O to 26.4) content of soil by 82.9, 32.8 and 140%. This indicates long-term addition of organic matter in soil improved the hydro-physical and chemical conditions with respect to plant growth and grain yield of wheat.