Abstract :
ABSTRACT: In order to study the effect of reduced tillage on energy consumption and wheat yield in Shahrood, this research was conducted. This study was about of different tillage methods which affect on irrigated wheat yield in potato-wheat rotation. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 replications and 4 treatments. After potato harvesting in Autumn, 4 tillage treatments including Moldboard plowing + disk harrow (T1), Disk plowing + disk harrow (T2), chisel plowing + disk harrow (T3) and disk harrow (T4) were conducted. Then wheat (Alvand) planted. In all treatments, plant protection operations were same. In summer 2007, after deleting of margins, wheat harvested. Results showed, wheat yield difference wasn’t significant among tillage treatments (p < 0.05). Maximum and minimum of wheat yield was related to T3 (2480kg/ha) and T4 (2390kg/ha), respectively. Deposit wheat yield, maximum and minimum of energy efficiency related to chisel plow (2.22) and Moldboard plow (2.03). Since most energy consumption is related to water and machinery operation. So, the use of new methods of irrigation (pressurized irrigation) can increase the energy efficiency. Application of reduced tillage that consumed lower energy, will increase energy efficiency in agriculture. Since there is no significant difference in performance and energy efficiency of different treatments, and energy consumption in T4 was lower than other treatments. Also, soil properties improved in reduced tillage. Thus after potato harvesting, for wheat production, Instead of plowing, disk harrow is recommended.
