Study the effect of conservation tillage on fuel consumption productivity and rain-fed wheat yield

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Agricultural Engineering Research Department, Agricultural Research Center of Semnan, Shahrood, Iran

Abstract

In order to study the effect of conservation tillage on optimum usage of fuel and precipitation, this research was conducted in wheat-sunflower rotation in shahrood for 4 years. The experimental design was RCBD with 5 replications and 4 treatments (direct seeding (NT), reduced tillage (RT), conventional sowing with and without residue gathering (CT1 and CT2)). Results showed, Soil inversion difference was significant among the treatments (p<0.01). Maximum and minimum of Soil inversion related to CT and NT, respectively. In first year, Soil moisture content difference in various depths wasn’t significant among the treatments. Wheat yield difference was significant among the treatments (p<0.05). Maximum and minimum of wheat yield related to CT and NT, respectively. In 4th year, Soil moisture content difference in 5-20 cm was significant among the treatments (p<0.05). Maximum and minimum of Soil moisture related to NT and CT, respectively. Although wheat yield difference wasn’t significant among the treatments, but Maximum and minimum of yield difference related to RT and CT, respectively. Maximum and minimum of fuel consumption and operation time, related to CT and NT, respectively. Maximum and minimum of fuel consumption productivity, related to NT and CT, respectively. Regard to crop yield and fuel consumption productivity, In order to Soil moisture maintain and optimum usage of fuel in rain-fed conditions, it may be recommended that moldboard plough can be replaced by conservation tillage methods (reduced tillage & direct seeding).

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