Economic feasibility of different options of rice stubble and weed management on performance of late sown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in western UP

Abstract

A field experiment at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology (SVPUA&T) Meerut Uttar Pradesh (India), Meerut, during the winter (Rabi) seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22, evaluated economic feasibility of different options of rice stubble and weed management on performance of late sown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Western UP. The highest wheat grain and straw yields were achieved with PUSA decomposer-treated residue and brown manuring, followed by Clodinafop Propargyl @ 60 g active ingredient (a.i.) ha-1 post emergence (PoE). This treatment also maximized gross and net returns, though the highest benefit-cost ratio occurred with residue burning, which is harmful to the soil, environment, and health. Among weed management practices, Brown manuring followed by Clodinafop Propargyl @ 60 g a.i. ha-1 PoE provided the best grain, straw, and economic returns, while the highest benefit-cost ratio was with 100 g + 4 g a.i. ha-1 PoE of Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl + Metsulfuron methyl. The combination of PUSA decomposer-treated residue, Brown manuring, and Clodinafop Propargyl @ 60 g a.i. ha-1 PoE yielded the highest net return. In contrast, rice stubble removal and two-hand weedings had the lowest yield. Thus, using PUSA decomposer with Brown manuring and Clodinafop Propargyl is recommended for higher yields and return in late-sown wheat under western U.P., India.