Relative Performance of Resource Conservation Technologies in Maize Based Cropping System Under Temperate Kashmir

A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2008–09 and 2009–10 at the Experimental Farm of the Regional Research Station and Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir to study the relative performance of resource conservation technologies in maize based cropping system. Four different tillage methods viz; conventional tillage, minimum tillage, zero tillage and bed planting were used in the main plots along with two sub plot treatments viz; no mulch and straw mulch. Based on the findings of experimentations, higher yield attributes and grain yield of maize were obtained in conventional tillage which was at par to bed planting. Similar trend was observed in the succeeding crops of maize based cropping system during both the years. The yield under conventional tillage was about 19.6% higher than zero tillage. Zero tillage and minimum tillage were found at par. Mulching with paddy straw significantly increased the grain yield of maize by about 14.4%. Significantly lowest total weed density and dry matter accumulation were recorded in conventional tillage than minimum and zero tillage. Conventional tillage recorded the lowest depletion of nutrients in weeds and minimum B:C ratio among tillage practices. Straw mulch recorded the significantly highest net returns and B:C ratio than the no mulch treatment.