Evaluation the effect of conservation tillage on potato yield and energy Efficiency

ABSTRACT: In order to study the effect of conservation tillage on energy consumption and potato yield in Shahrood, this research was conducted. This study was about of different different conservation tillage methods which affect on potato yield in potato-wheat- potato rotation. A strip-block experimental design at Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 replications was used, that horizontal factor including tillage methods (1-Moldboard plowing + disk harrow, 2-Disk plowing + disk harrow, 3- fall chisel plowing + disk harrow and 4-spring chisel plowing + disk harrow) and vertical factor including three potato cultivars (Agria, Deraga and Sante). Depth of spring moldboard and disk plowing were 20-25 Cm. Depth of spring and fall chisel plowing were 25-30 Cm. In May of 2007, potato cultivars planted, row spacing and plants space in row were 75 and 20 Cm, respectively. In all of 2007, after potato harvesting in all plots wheat planted. In July of 2008 wheat harvested. In spring 2009 after conducting of tillage treatments, potato cultivars planted. In all treatments, plant protection operations were same. Main plots width and length were 5 and 20 m, respectively. Sub-plots width and length were 5 m. After deleting of margins, 3 rows (from 5 rows) harvested and required characters measured. Results of data combination analysis (2007 and 2009) showed, crop yield differences among tillage methods were significant (at 5%), Maximum of yield per hectare was related to spring chisel plowing (31.1 t ha-1). Crop yield difference among potato cultivars wasn’t significant, and Maximum of yield was belonged to Deraga cultivar. Number of tubers per plant, small and