Weed control in forage oat through conservation agriculture

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of two consecutive years of 2010-11and 2011–12 to evaluate the efficacy of different tillage practices in combination with various nutrient levels on productivity and quality along with weed control efficiency in forage oat under plateau region of Jharkhand. Variation in tillage and nutrient level significantly influenced the infestation of crop associated weeds, leaf area index, green forage yield, uptakes of calcium as well as, iron and contents of crude protein as well as crude fiber of forage oat. Population density of narrow, broad-leaved weeds and sedges and its biomass under zero tillage were lesser than conventional and minimal tillage. Application of biofertilizers with 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) remained at par with 100% RDF. However, maximum forage yield with improved quality was recorded under 125% RDF. Zero tillage practiced in forage oat was equally effective as conventional tillage with regards to productivity and quality of forage oat.