Effect of crop-establishment practices on wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity and soil health under lowland rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat cropping system

An investigation was carried out to evaluate effect of cultural practices o n wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) productivity and their effect on soil in lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat cropping system duri ng 1993-96. Among the crop-establishment methods of wheat, mould board plou gh once + rotavator twice and sowing behind the plough and mould board plou gh once + rotavator once and sowing behind the plough were found most produ ctive and profitable. In view of benefit : cost ratio, however, all the met hods were statistically alike except paraquat application, rotavator once a nd sowing behind the hand plough on 10 December and rotavator twice and sow ing behind the hand plough on 10 December. Seed rate of 150 kg/ha was found most economic. A sharp decline in availability of K after harvest of the w heat crop was noticed.