Author:
RAMANA C,SUDHAKAR P,REDDY G KRISHNA,NAGAMADHURI K V,PRASHANTHI T,KUMARI P LAVANYA,KRISHNA T GIRIDHRA,HEMASRI A
Abstract
A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of sub-soiling on plant growth, root morphology and yield of rainfed pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L. ) Millsp.] (Var LRG 41) during 2012-13 and 2013-14. Crop exposed to moisture stress condition from flowering to harvest (120 days) during 2013-14, compared to experiment conducted during 2012-13. The results indicated that sub-soil tillage sustained higher shoot, root growth and seed yield during the year 2013-14, which coincided with end of season drought compared to conventional tillage treatment. Crop growth in terms of plant height, leaf area/plant significantly improved due to sub-soiling compared to conventionally tilled treatment. Similarly sub-soiling recorded significant increase in drought tolerant traits, viz. root length (234%), root dry weight (274%) and relative water content (37%). Consequently, sub-soil tillage recorded significant increase in number of pods/plant by 59%, 100 seed weight by 12% and pod yield by 219% compared to conventionally tilled treatment. Sub-soil tillage proved efficient method of mechanical intervention for drought mitigation under rainfed pigeonpea cultivation.
Publisher
Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture
Subject
Agronomy and Crop Science
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