Effect of different tillage regimes and mulching practices on crop yields and water use efficiency of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) in South Gujarat conditions

Abstract

The productivity of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) can be significantly enhanced by adopting appropriate natural resource management technologies. However, there is limited research on conservation-based management practices specifically for linseed. This study, therefore, aimed to identify suitable conservation agricultural management practices that improve both crop yield and water use efficiency in linseed cultivation. The present research was conducted in Navsari district, Gujarat, within Agro-climatic Zone - 3 (South Gujarat Heavy Rainfall Zone - I) over three consecutive winter seasons from 2019-2022. Eight treatments involving the combinations of different conservation tillage practices were evaluated using a randomized block design with three replications. The results demonstrated that the maximum yield attributes were recorded under CT + RSM + SGM treatment [conventional tillage + rice straw mulching + sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) green manuring during the preceding kharif season)]. Except for the first year, this treatment was statistically superior to both reduced tillage (RT) and conventional tillage (CT). Similarly, maximum grain and stalk yields were recorded under the treatment CT + RSM + SGM, followed by CT + SGM [conventional tillage + sunn hemp green manuring (during preceding kharif season)] and RT + RSM + SGM [reduced tillage + rice straw mulching + sunn hemp green manuring (during preceding kharif season)]. Water use efficiency (WUE) was also significantly improved under CT + RSM + SGM treatment. Based on these findings, it is recommended that linseed growers adopt the conventional tillage combined with rice straw mulching and sunn hemp green manuring during preceding kharif as an effective tillage and mulching strategy to enhance the crop performance and WUE.