Optimizing Wheat Yield and Profitability Through Conservation Tillage and Supplementary Irrigation During Terminal Heat Stress in North Bihar

Abstract

Abstract The agricultural sector in India is a major water consumer, utilizing over 60% of the total water in the country. In order to meet the demands of the growing population and ensure food safety, irrigation is crucial for crop cultivation. However, extreme heat can negatively impact crops, particularly wheat. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of supplementary irrigation under different tillage conditions to mitigate these negative effects of terminal heat stress. The research examined the impact of tillage systems and additional irrigation on reducing terminal heat stress and enhancing wheat yields in India. Three tillage systems were implemented, including happy seeder, zero tillage, and conventional tillage. The experiment was conducted over three years in six scenarios, and the results indicated that SN-1, SN-3, and SN-5 produced higher yields than SN2, SN4, and SN6, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). In addition, the study found that the use of a conservation agriculture-based tillage system resulted in significantly higher energy-use efficiency during the 2020-21 season compared to conventional tillage (SN-3 and SN-4). Furthermore, the application of 75% of a 90:45:30 N:P:K fertilizer ratio combined with supplementary irrigation significantly increased the grain yields of all crop establishment treatments. The study recommends zero tillage with supplementary irrigation for wheat production in harvested rice fields to counteract the negative impacts of terminal heat stress, increasing yields and profitability. Effective irrigation and tillage practices are crucial for mitigating heat stress effects on crops, ultimately improving food security and sustainability.