A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2015-16 to study the influence of seed bed manipulations and weed management practices on growth, yield and economics of wheat under organic conditions at Model Organic Farm of CSKHPKV, Palampur. Results revealed that standard seed bed recorded and per cent higher wheat yield and net returns, respectively over stale seed bed. Gram intercropping + one manual hoeing resulted in significantly taller plants at 120 days after sowing whereas, two manual hoeings recorded significantly highest dry matter accumulation and number of shoots per square meter at 90 days after sowing which resulted in significant increase in grain and straw yield (3796 kg/ha and 7144 kg/ha) of wheat. In terms of economics, two manual hoeings recorded highest net returns (Rs. 84,064/ha) and remained statistically at par with gram intercropping + one manual hoeing (Rs. 80,941/ha). Both natural farming (gram intercropping + mulching) and natural farming (mulching) treatments recorded significantly highest net returns of and per rupee invested, respectively. In addition, inclusion of legume as intercrop in treatments comprised of gram intercropping helped in increasing the nitrogen status of the soil than treatments comprised of sole stand of wheat. | Impact of seed bed manipulations and weed management practices on growth, yield and economics of wheat under organic conditions
