Evaluation of Zero Tillage Maize under Irrigated Conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Krishna College of Agriculture and Technology during the period from June to August 2025 to assess the productivity and economic viability of zero tillage (ZT) maize cultivation in comparison with the conventional method of ridges and furrows. The study focused on evaluating different plant spacings ranging from 45×30 cm to 90×30 cm, along with the integration of black gram as an intercrop under a sustainable cropping system. The experimental design aimed to identify an optimal combination of spacing and intercropping that enhances yield, resource-use efficiency, and profitability.The results revealed that zero tillage maize planted at a spacing of 60×30 cm and intercropped with black gram in a 1:1 ratio significantly outperformed all other treatments. This combination recorded the highest grain yield of 7,400 kg/ha, indicating improved crop performance under reduced soil disturbance. Additionally, the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) of 1.22 confirmed the advantage of intercropping over monocropping in terms of efficient land utilization. From an economic perspective, this treatment also generated the highest net income of ₹99,460 per hectare and achieved a Benefit-Cost (B:C) ratio of 3.9, which was notably higher than the conventional control treatment (3.3).The findings highlight that zero tillage combined with pulse-based intercropping not only enhances crop productivity but also improves soil health, reduces cultivation costs, and increases farm profitability. Therefore, the adoption of zero tillage maize intercropped with black gram can be considered a technically feasible, environmentally sustainable, and economically superior practice for conservation agriculture in Tamil Nadu. The study provides valuable insights for farmers, researchers, and policymakers aiming to promote sustainable intensification in maize-based cropping systems.