Evaluation of Growth and Yield Parameters of Six Different Rice Fallow Crops under Zero-Till System with Limited Irrigation

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in sandy loam soils to study the Growth and Yield parameters of six different crops with limited number of irrigations under a zero-till system in rice fallows during rabi, 2021-22 at Agricultural College Farm, Naira. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design, replicated thrice with three irrigation levels viz., two irrigations (I1), three irrigations (I2) and four irrigations (I3) assigned to main plots and six fallow crops viz., Maize (C1), Sorghum (C2), Finger millet (C3), Mustard (C4), Sunhemp (C5) and Blackgram (C6) assigned to sub plots. With regard to number of irrigations, dry matter production at harvest, seed yield, Blackgram equivalent yield, stover yield, were recorded progressively higher with four irrigations (I3) and were decreased gradually and significantly with a reduction in number of irrigations to two (I1). Pertaining to six fallow crops, the dry matter production, seed yield, and stover yield recorded, was significantly superior and highest in Maize (C1) while recorded lowest in Mustard (C4). With regard to the interaction effect with number of irrigations and six fallow crops was significant and statistically measurable. The highest dry matter production, seed yield, and stover/haulm yield was recorded in Maize (C1) with four irrigations (I3) and these parameters were found to be lowest in Mustard (C4) with two irrigations (I1).