The Effects of Reduced Tillage and Direct Seeding Systems on the Yield of Maize and Barley - Vetch in Ege Region

More researches are needed for each region to implement direct seeding method correctly which is started to use recently in our country, but brings lots of problems to be answered along with its use. Proper direct seeding machine and suitable seeding technique are important factors for successful direct seeding. It is necessary to adapt this technique which is used widely in the world for each region in our country The objective of this study was to compare the conventional tillage system with reduced tillage and direct seeding systems for maize (Zea Mays L. ssp.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) – common vetch (Vicia Sativa) production. Corn was planted on wheat residue in May 2008, after harvesting corn, barley-common vetch was sown in November 2008 in the wet field conditions where conventional, reduced tillage, and direct seeding systems were applied in Menemen, Ege Region. Experiment was finished with second year corn planting in May 2009. Tillage systems used in the experiment were conventional tillage in which plough is used, reduced tillage with heavy duty disk harrow, direct seeding in which secondary tillage are allowed and no-till. The effect of tillage systems on the soil physical properties such as bulk density, penetration resistance, and organic content were examined. Grain yield, stalk yield, and grain/stalk ratio were also measured to assess the effect of tillage systems. According to the results, soil tillage systems were found statistically significant on soil physical parameters and plant yield. In general, No-till system had minimum yield, whereas, minimum tillage method in which heavy duty disk harrow was used provided maximum yield comparing other tillage systems. Weeding is still a problem in no-till plots and proper direct seeding machine with on time herbicides use are essential for successful direct seeding.