Relative Weed Composition, Weed Dry Matter and Wheat Yield as Influenced by Different Tillage Practices and Nitrogen Management

In the rabi (winter) season of 2020-21, a field experiment conducted at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi. The experimental employed a split-plot design, encompassing four distinct tillage practice in the main plots and four nitrogen management approaches in the sub-plots, all replicated thrice. The results show that, residue retention in zero tillage recorded significantly lower weed density and weed dry matter and higher grain yield (4.99 t/ha) over other treatments. Similar results also recorded under different nitrogen management practices, where LCC-guided N application has significantly lower weed density and weed dry matter and higher grain yield (5.39t/ha) over remaining treatments. The LCC-guided nitrogen application practice in residue retained zero tillage can be recommended for wheat farmers under rice-wheat system. This combined approach not only enhances weed control but also elevates overall productivity, signifying its potential as an effective and sustainable practice for optimizing wheat yields.