Effect of tillage and irrigation on yield, profitability, water productivity and soil health in rice (Oryza sativa) -wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system in north-west Himalayas

A fixed plot field study was carried out during 2001-02 to 2005-06 at experimental Farm, Almora, to study the effect of tillage and irrigation on productivity, profitability, and soil health in rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend Fiori & Paol) system. Significantly higher net returns, net returns/mm applied water was found in zero tillage than the conventional tillage. The rice grain yield did not differ significantly due to tillage, however, mean wheat yield was higher in conventional tillage than the zero tillage. On pooled basis significantly higher yield in terms of rice equivalent was recorded in conventional tillage than zero tillage. The grain yield enhanced by 8.3, 14.0 and 16.5% in rice, 21.2,33.8 and 46.8% in wheat due to irrigation at pre-sowing + active tillering/crown root-initiation, presowing + active tillering/crown root-initiation + flowering, pre-sowing + active tillering/crown root-initiation + flowering + grain-filling stages respectively over pre-sowing. Similarly, system productivity, gross as well as net returns and benefit: cost ratio increased significantly due to increased number of irrigation. Zero tillage recorded higher organic carbon and lower bulk density than conventional tillage. This trend was similar with increasing number of irrigations also.