Effects Of Different Tillage and Press Wheel Weight on Dryland Wheat Grain Production

Abstract

Combined effects of tillage and press wheel weight with the impact upon soil compaction were shown an important role on seedling emergence, crop establishment and plant growth. Using the proper combination of tillage implements and determining suitable weight of press wheels were recommended for greater growth and grain yield. In this paper, the effect of different tillage methods and press wheel weights on seedling emergence and wheat yield under dryland conditions in Izeh, Khuzestan province, Iran were investigated. Also, Soil cone index and yield components were recorded. Tillage treatments including conventional tillage (Moldboard plow and disk), reduced tillage (double disks, chisel and disk) and no tillage were applied. Seeding treatments including grain drills using different press wheels and weights (4, 5 and 8 kg/cm). The Experiment was conducted as a split factorial in complete randomized block design using three replications. Results showed that reduced tillage system increased seedling emergence and grain yield. Independent press wheel drills with the decreased of cone index and increased emergence rate (54%) was significantly the greatest treatment in wheat yield production compared to other treatments. The highest grain yield, (2202.9 kg/ha) was produced where 5 kg/cm width of press wheel was used. In order to increase seedling emergence rate and grain yield under dryland condition using an independent 5 kg/cm press wheel width followed reduced tillage was recommended.