Effect of Different Tillage Practices on the growth and yield attributes of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

An experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 8 replications and three treatments viz. [T0= Conventional Cultivation (Control),T1= Zero Tillage Potato and T2=Raised Bed Potato). All the growth attributes (plant height, leaf area and plant cover area) recorded were significantly higher in case of conventional cultivation as compared to zero tillage and raised bed planting. However, the yield obtained was significantly higher for zero tillage potato (327.42 q/ha) in comparison to conventional cultivation (216.03 q/ha) and raised bed planting (283.98 q/ha). Thus, it can be concluded that zero tillage method of potato cultivation is better as compared to raised bed planting and conventional potato cultivation both in term of economical and environmental aspect. Economically, maximum B:C ratio of 3.63 is obtained under zero tillage potato and environmentally, it is an option for residue management and emits no harmful gases into the atmosphere due to no machinery use. Also, the benefits of mulching is additional in zero tillage system rendering better soil health in the long run.