Tillage and Green Manuring Effects on Nutrient Composition, Uptake and Yield Components of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Soil and water conservation is vital for sustainable development of farming systems especially in India, where a large proportion of the population depends directly on agriculture for their livelihood. Ensuring the future of farming requires placing the highest importance on conservation. Formulating and implementing effective conservation strategies is fundamental to securing the future of farming through the adoption of resilient and resource-efficient agricultural practices. In line with this goal, a two-year study was undertaken during the kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 on the topic, tillage and green manuring effects on nutrient composition, uptake and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.). The findings from the two-year investigation presented that minimum tillage (MT) significantly enhanced nutrient accumulation (N, P and K). In relation to conventional tillage (CT), MT increased N, P and K content in seed by 1.37%, 4.34% and 4.65%, respectively and N and P content in stover by 1.61% and 5.55%. Seed and stover yield also improved slightly under MT by 0.16% and 0.29%, respectively. Furthermore, MT elevated N and P uptake in seed by 1.55% and 1.77%. The interactive effect of TMG6 i.e. Minimum tillage with green manuring through Dhaincha 2 tonnes + Cowpea 2 tonnes @ 4 tonnes ha–1, demonstrated the highest effectiveness among all treatment combination, significantly boosting nutrient concentration, uptake, and yield. TMG6 increased N and P content in seed by 24% and 28.57%, and in stover by 18.58% and 60%, respectively, compared to TCG0. Similarly, N and P uptake in seed rose by 31.91% and 33.95%, and in stover by 25.26% and 69.70% respectively. Another promising treatment, TMG2 (MT + Dhaincha @ 4 t ha⁻¹), led to marked improvements in K content and uptake.