Abstract:
Field trials were conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, NWFP
Agricultural University Peshawar during summer 2006 to investigate the
effect of tillage and Zinc (Zn) application methods on maize yield and its
associated weeds. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block
design with split-plot arrangement having three replications. The main plot
consisted of conventional tillage (CT) and reduced tillage (RT) while Zn
application methods were assigned to the subplots which included seed
priming (dry seed, soaking seed in water, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03% Zn solutions),
foliar spray of 0.01% Zn solution, soil application at the rate of 5 kg ha-1 and
combination of soil application (@ 5 kg ha-1) plus foliar spray (0.01% Zn
solution). Tillage significantly affected weed density (WD) and yield of maize.
CT suppressed WD recorded 21 and 42 days after sowing (DAS). Likewise,
CT also suppressed the major weeds (Cyperus rotundus, Digitaria
sanguinalis, and Convolvulus arvensis). Higher grain yield was recorded in
CT plots as compared to RT. Zinc application methods significantly affected
WD recorded 42 days after sowing and grain yield of maize. The interaction
between tillage and Zn application methods for WD recorded 42 DAS was
also significant. Greater WD was recorded in RT as compared to CT. Mean
of the interaction values indicated that WD was lower in CT as compared to
RT irrespective of Zn application methods. Yield was higher in CT as
compared to RT. Likewise water soaking and Zn application methods
improved maize yield as compared to control. It is concluded that CT
resulted in lower WD and higher yield of maize. Furthermore water soaking
and Zn application methods enhanced grain yield of maize as compared to
control.
