Influence of Green Manuring with Sesbania and Cluster Bean on Wheat Yields in Diverse Tillage Conditions Within Rice-Wheat Cropping Systems.

In Punjab, Pakistan, wheat production within the rice-wheat cropping system is frequently undermined by soil degradation and nutrient depletion, exacerbated by traditional agricultural practices. Addressing these challenges, this study evaluates the impact of green manuring and tillage practices on wheat productivity in rice-wheat cropping system, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The study examined twelve treatments combining green manuring (no green manuring, Sesbania, or Cluster bean) with rice cultivation methods (direct-seeded or transplanted) and tillage practices (zero or plough tillage). Wheat was sown following rice at a rate of 125 kg ha-1, with fertilizers applied in split applications. The analysis revealed significant differences across treatments. The highest number of fertile tillers (429 m-2 in 2020, 441 m2 in 2021) was recorded in Treatment 5 (Sesbania green manuring, direct-seeded rice, zero tillage wheat), while the lowest (322 m-2 in 2020, 329 m-2 in 2021) was in Treatment 4 (No green manuring, transplanted rice, plough tillage wheat). Similar trends were observed for spikelets per spike, grains per spike, and thousand grain weight, with Treatment 5 consistently performing the best. Biological yield was highest in Treatment 5 (13.12 t ha-1 in 2020, 13.42 t ha-1 in 2021), and grain yield peaked at 4.10 t ha-1 (2020) and 4.50 t ha-1 (2021) in Treatments 5 and 6. These findings underscore the benefits of integrating Sesbania green manuring with zero tillage and direct seeding of rice, significantly enhancing soil moisture retention and structure, which leads to improved wheat yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]