Growth, yield and profitability of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) as impacted by different tillage practices

Tillage practices significantly influence the growth, yield and economic viability of green gram (Vigna radiata L.). A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2023 in Baru Sahib (sub-temperate region) of Himachal Pradesh, India, to evaluate the impact of different tillage systems on green gram productivity. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with six treatments: conventional tillage, conservation tillage with straw application, zero tillage, furrow-raised bed, stubble mulch tillage and minimum tillage without residue. The results demonstrated that conventional tillage significantly enhanced crop performance, recording the highest emergence count, pod length, seed number pod-1 and pod number plant-1, leading to the highest grain and straw yield, biological yield and net economic returns. Conservation and minimum tillage without residue produced statistically similar results to conventional tillage, suggesting their potential as sustainable alternatives. Whereas, zero tillage exhibited the lowest values across all parameters. Economic analysis revealed the highest net returns and benefit-cost ratio under conventional tillage, whereas zero tillage recorded the lowest profitability. These findings suggest that while conventional tillage remains optimal for maximizing green gram yield and profitability, conservation tillage with strategic residue management could be a sustainable alternative. Future research should focus on the long-term implications of conservation tillage on soil health, nutrient dynamics and resource-use efficiency in green gram production systems.