Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Abstract

In this study, effect of conservation tillage and irrigation methods on soil properties, water productivity, and wheat yield was evaluated by using split plot experimental design with nine treatments and three replications. Main plots were irrigation methods including surface irrigation (gated pipe), tape irrigation, and sprinkle irrigation. Tillage methods including zero tillage (direct drilling), reduced tillage, and conventional tillage (control treatment) were considered as sub plots. Soil bulk density, infiltration rate, water consumption, wheat yield, and water productivity were measured in different tillage and irrigation treatments. Results showed that both tillage and irrigation methods had significant effect on soil bulk density in such a way that drip irrigation had the maximum soil bulk density compared to the other irrigation methods. Meanwhile, conservation tillage methods increased soil bulk density compared to the conventional tillage for 2.4%. Wheat yield was higher in pressurized irrigation methods compared to the surface irrigation. The maximum water consumption was related to the surface irrigation, and drip irrigation had the minimum water consumption. Drip and sprinkle irrigation saved water for 59 and 40%, respectively compared to the surface irrigation. The highest water productivity was obtained from drip irrigation and surface irrigation had the lowest water productivity.

Keywords

Afzalinia, S., Karami, A. and Alavimanesh,  S. M. 2012. Comparing Conservation and Conventional Tillage Methods in Corn-Wheat Rotation. Proceeding of the International Conference of Agricultural Engineering, July 8-12. Valencia, Spain.
 
Afzalinia, S. and Zabihi, J. 2014. Soil compaction variation during corn growing season under conservation tillage. Soil and Tillage Research. 137, 1-6.
 
Cetin, O. and Bilgel, L. 2002. Effects of different irrigation methods on shedding and yield of cotton. Agricultural Water Management. 54, 1-15.
 
De Vita, P., Di Paolo, E., Fecondo, G., Di Fonzo, N. and Pisante, M. 2007. No-tillage and conventional tillage effects on durum wheat yield, grain quality and soil moisture content in southern Italy. Soil and Tillage Research. 92(1-2), 69-78.
 
Erenstein, O. and Laxmi, V. 2008. Zero tillage impacts in India’s rice–wheat systems:  A review. Soil and Tillage Research, 100, 1-14.
 
Freebarin, D. M, Ward, L. D., Clarke, A. L. and Smith, G. D. 1986. Research and development of reduced tillage systems for vertisols in Queensland, Australia. Soil and Tillage Research. 8, 211-229.
 
Haq, N. 1990. Evaluation of modern irrigation techniques for sandy loam soil having low slopes. M. Sc. Thesis, Dept. of Irrigation and Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
 
Jat, M. L., Gathala, M. K., Ladha, J. K., Saharawat, Y. S., Jat, A. S., Kumar, V., Sharma, S. K., Kuma, V. and Gupta, R. 2009. Evaluation of precision land leveling and double zero-till systems in the rice–wheat rotation: Water use, productivity, profitability and soil physical properties. Soil and Tillage Research. 105 (1), 112-121.
 
Latif, M. 1990. Sprinkler irrigation to harness potential of water scarcity area in Pakistan. Technical Report No. 41. CEWRE. Pub. No. 37.
 
Liu, S., Zhang, H., Dai, Q., Huo, H., Xu,  Z. K. and Ruan, H. 2005. Effects of no-tillage plus inter-planting and remaining straw on the field on cropland eco-environment and wheat growth. Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao. 16, 393-396.
 
McGarry, D., Bridge, B. J. and Radford, B. J. 2000.  Contrasting soil physical properties after zero and traditional tillage of an alluvial soil in the semi-arid subtropics. Soil and Tillage Research. 53,105-115.
 
Monotti, M., Borghi, B., Chiducci, Boggini, M. G. and Gambelli, M. L. 1982. Effects of irrigation and other agronomic practices on wheat grain yield. Universita di Perugia General e Coltivazioni Erba Universita di Perugia.
 
Oron, G., Demalach, J. and Bearman, J. E.1986. Trickle irrigation of wheat applying renovated waste water. Water resources-Bulletin. 22(3), 439-446.
 
Schneider, A. D. and Howell, T. A. 1999. LEPA and spray irrigation for grain crops.J. Irrig Drain Engin. 125(4), 167-172.
 
Siahpoosh, M. R., Dehghanian, S. E., Kamkarhaghighi, A. A. and Amin, H. 2006. Evaluation of water productivity and its component as criteria of selecting drought tolerant wheat. Final report, Institute of Agricultural Engineering Research. 85/803. (in persian). 
 
Taser, O. and Metinoglu, F. 2005. Physical and mechanical properties of a clay soil as affected by tillage systems for wheat growth. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section B-soil and Plant. 55, 186-191.
 
Torknejad, A., Aghaee Sarbezeh, M., Jafari, H., Shirvani, A., Ruintan, R., Nemati, A. and Shahbazi, Kh. 2006. Technical and economical evaluation of drip irrigation in wheat and comparing with surface irrigation. Journal of Research and development in Agriculture and Horticulture. 72, 36-44. (in persian)