Evaluation of zero tillage in wheat (Triticum aestivum) under different methods of rice (Oryza sativa) transplanting

A two-year study was carried out at Karnal to compare the performance of ze ro tillage in wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] under dif ferent methods of rice (Oryza sativa L.) transplanting viz. broadcast in pu ddled condition, transplanting, and dry seeding. Transplanting of rice (Pus a basmati-370) recorded 14% higher yield as compared to dry seeding of rice in kharif season. In wheat ('UP 2338'), zero and conventional tillage reco rded comparable yield irrespective of different rice seeding/transplanting methods. Zero tillage under dry seeding of rice gave significantly higher y ield (49.6 q/ha) than conventionally tilled plot of transplanted rice (43.3 q/ha). The study reveals that zero tillage in dry seeding of rice was simi lar to that of puddled rice but better than conventional tillage. Zero till age saved more than 16% cost of cultivation. Even total tonnage of rice and wheat in dry seeded and transplanted condition was similar.