Optimizing Wheat Production and Resource Use Efficiency under Varying Tillage and Residue Management Systems

A field investigation was carried out during two consecutive rabi seasons (2019–20 and 2020–21) at the Research Farm, College of Agriculture, RVSKVV, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, to evaluate the effect of different tillage and residue management practices on growth, yield performance, and resource use efficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising six treatment combinations involving conventional and zero tillage with and without residue retention on flat and raised beds. The results indicated that conventional tillage on raised beds with residue retention (CT-RB+R) significantly improved plant growth parameters, yield attributes, grain yield, and economic returns compared to other treatments. Pooled data analysis revealed that CT-RB+R recorded the highest grain yield (5050 kg ha⁻¹), which was statistically at par with conventional tillage on flat beds with residue (CT-FB+R: 4758 kg ha⁻¹), and significantly superior to zero tillage without residue (ZT–R: 4225 kg ha⁻¹). The maximum benefit-cost ratio (2.57) was achieved under ZT+R. The findings underscore the potential of integrated tillage and residue management practices, particularly CT-RB+R, for enhancing wheat productivity and economic viability under the semi-arid agro-ecological conditions of central India.