Performance of Wheat Varieties (Triticum aestivum L.) under Conservation Tillage Practices in Organic Agriculture

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of tillage systems and varieties on growth, yield and quality of wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiments conducted at two sites were laid out in a split-plot design with four replicates, three main plots [conventional tillage (CT), no-tillage (NT) and minimum tillage (MT)] and four sub-plots (‘Siette’, ‘Panifor’, ‘Myrto’, ‘Estero’). The soil porosity and total nitrogen were higher in soils subjected to conservation tillage systems (NT and MT) than under conventional tillage. There were no differences in root growth neither between the tillage systems nor among the varieties. Yield was influenced by the tillage system and variety. The highest grain yield (421-459 kg ha-1) was found under the CT system with ‘Siette’, ‘Myrto’ and ‘Estero’ varieties. In contrast, the highest grain yield was observed under conservation tillage (NT and MT) with ‘Panifor’ variety. There were no significant differences between the tillage systems concerning the protein content and Zeleny value. In contrast, the highest Hagberg falling number was found with MT. Zeleny value was positively and significantly correlated with protein content. High flour quality, as demonstrated by high protein content and Zeleny value, and low Hagberg falling number, was produced in the ‘Estero’ variety.

Overview of Organic Cover Crop-Based No-Tillage Technique in Europe: Farmers’ Practices and Research Challenges

“…In Europe, published papers dealing with tillage issues in OF are focused on RT, and it is difficult to discern from this knowledge about NT [13,15,17,20,44,[47][48][49]. While there are some references referring to organic MBNT in arable crops, data analysis on this technique is often presented in the context of a comparison with traditional ploughing and RT [15,20,[50][51][52]. This research strategy limits the generation of data which could contribute to the refinement of the MBNT technique and the development of best management practices, while diluting access of MBNT information.…”

“…These studies have been carried out on NT without the integration of cover crops [50,67], or on CCNT [15,68,69] (Figure 1). In this latter case, most trials have concentrated on using a living cover crop with winter wheat, flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), or quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L.) crops [52,68,69]. Only two studies have been conducted on MBNT in France, in 2005 (corn crop) and 2008 (soybean crop) [15].…”

“…These studies have documented soil fertility improvement in LBNT with higher macroporosity, more organic matter, and higher soil N content due to benefits provided by the cover crop (biological activity, soil structure, etc.) [50][51][52]70]. Researchers have also reported the major challenge of identifying the best cover crop species which ensure weed suppression without affecting cash crop yield and quality.…”

Enhancing Yield and Water Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Through Sowing Methods and Irrigation Schedules under Light Textured Soil of Western Uttar Pradesh, India

“…Bilalis et al, 2011 andNaresh et al, (2012) reported that the yield per hectare was primarily improved due to more moisture supply, less penetration resistance impedance which responsible for better root development and its beneficial effect on the per plant yield. The grain yield per plant improved with increased moisture supply mainly through improvement number of grains per spike, number of spikelet per spike and test weight.…”

The Effect of Tillage System and Rimsulfuron Application on Weed Flora, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Root Colonization and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

“…Tillage systems affect soils properties (Bilalis et al, 2011). Bhattacharyya et al (2009) reported that no-tillage increase bulk density, mean weight diameter and the proportion of macroaggregate fractions in soil compared with conventional system (CT).…”