Maize performance in response to tillage and weed control methods

To study the impact of different tillage practices and weed control methods on weeds growth, phenology and yield of maize, an experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm of The University of Agriculture Peshawar during summer 2016. The study was performed in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement having four replications. Tillage practices (chisel plough + rotavator, mouldboard plough + rotavator, cultivator + rotavator and rotavator) were assigned to main plots while weed control methods (control, hoeing 15 days after sowing (DAS), hoeing 15 and 30 DAS, hoeing 15, 30 and 45 DAS, and herbicide i.e. Nicosulfuron) were assigned to sub-plots. Results revealed that treatment of chisel plough + rotavator had induced significantly early days to tasseling, silking and physiological maturity and produced maximum grain yield and biological yield as compared to other tested tillage practices. Minimum weeds m-2 and weeds fresh weight at 60 DAS was recorded from the treatment of chisel plough + rotavator. Among weed control methods, the treatment of hoeing 15, 30 and 45 DAS delayed days to tasseling, silking and physiological maturity and resulted in higher grain yield and biological yield. Hoeing 15, 30 and 45 DAS drastically reduced weeds m-2 and weeds fresh weight at 60 DAS. It is concluded that chisel plough + rotavator and hoeing at 15, 30 and 45 days after sowing (DAS) significantly improved yield of maize crop.