EMERGENCE IN WHEAT AS AFFECTED BY DIFFERENT TILLAGE IMPLEMENTS AND SOIL COMPACTION LEVELS

The effect of tillage and different soil compaction levels on emergence of wheat in silt clay loam soil was conducted during the years 2010-11 and 2011-12. Nine treatments were arranged in RCBD with 4 replications. The wheat variety Siran @ 100 kg ha^-1 was sown using a grain drill. The results showed greater penetrometer resistance and bulk density with 4 tractor passes compared with controlled plots of zero passes. The days to emergence and emergence m^-2 were significantly affected (P ≤ 0.05). Days of emergence (11.69) were maximum in controlled plots as compared to 2 tractor passes (10.86), followed by 4 tractor passes (10.60). Maximum Emergences m^-2 were recorded in controlled plots (89.93 m^-2) as compared to 2 tractor passes (86.06) followed by 4 tractor passes (85.47).Tillage played a significant (P ≤ 0.05) role in managing soil compaction. More emergence were recorded in plots ploughed by mould board plow followed by rotavator. Fewer plants emerged m^-2 in plots ploughed by cultivator as compared to mould board plow. It was evident that soil compaction adversely affected the emergence in wheat which can be managed by tillage in the form of mold board plow.