Conservation tillage systems for sorghum production under semi‐arid conditions in India

Abstract

Field research was conducted near Hyderabad, India, during 1981 and1982 to investigate zero-tillage and reducedtillage systems for production of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) under semi-arid tropical conditions. Part of the investigation compared post-seeding hand weeding and herbicide treatments for weed control efficacy. The results showed that shallow pre-seeding tillage was just as effective as deep cultivations in producing high sorghum fodder and grain yields provided weeds were controlled after crop emergence. Both tillage regimes were more effective than a no tillage regime which received only a mixture of glyphosate and 2,4-D prior to seeding. Postseeding weed control practices were essential to maintain high fodder and grain yields of sorghum. Hand weeding and inter-row blade harrowing were more effective than atrazine applied preemergence or 2,4-D applied post-emergence.

EFFECT OF LONG-TERM USE OF TILLAGE, RESIDUES AND N LEVELS IN SORGHUM (SORGHUM VULGARE (L)) – CASTOR (RICINUS COMMUNIS) CROPPING SYSTEM UNDER RAINFED CONDITIONS – CROP RESPONSES AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE – PART I

“…Several other studies have shown enhanced moisture conservation and increase in crop yield when soils were mulched with plant residues (Friesen and Korwar, 1987; Mahto and Sinha, 1980).…”

“…Several other studies have shown enhanced moisture conservation and increase in crop yield when soils were mulched with plant residues (Friesen and Korwar, 1987;Mahto and Sinha, 1980). Crop residue maintained on soil surface at many semi-arid locations considerably increased soil water storage (AI-Darby et al, 1989;Marley and Littler, 1990;Nyborg and Malhi, 1989;Ojeniyi, 1986;Rasmussen et al, 1986;Unger, 1984).…”