Conservational Tillage and Weed Management Practices Enhance Farmers Income and System Productivity of Rice–Wheat Cropping System in Central India

Abstract

An increasing cost of production, declining factor productivity and sustainability in rice–wheat cropping system are forcing the Indian farmers to shift from conventional tillage (CT) practice to conservational tillage (CA) practice for crop cultivation. With all the numerous advantage of CA practice, weed is a major concern restricting the farm productivity and profitability. To evaluate various tillage and weed management practices in rice–wheat cropping system of Central India, a study was carried out at farmers field. An integrated approach of weed management with Sesbania co-culture with rice followed by tank-mix application of bispyribac-Na ? 2,4-D effectively reduced the total weed density and dry biomass accumulation and simultaneously increased the rice grain yield and farmers income, whereas, in case of wheat, as compared to CT practice, CA gave * 11% higher grain yield by restricting the growth of weeds. The weed density and dry weight were effectively diminished with pre-mix application of mesosulfuron ? idosulfuron in wheat, and this pre-mix combination has also significantly increased the wheat grain yield over farmers practice. As compared to sole application, tank-mix or pre-mix application of different herbicides with varied target group of weeds controlled various weed species in a single application. The total system yield of rice–wheat cropping system with CA practice (6.27 t/ha) was higher as compared to CT practice (5.97 t/ha). The sustainable yield index, farmers profit and B:C ratio of the rice–wheat cropping system were in upper side by adopting the CA practice as compared to existing farmers (CT) practice.