Study on the effect of different tillage methods on the soil physical properties, yield and yield components of rainfed wheat

In order to determine the effect of different tillage methods on grain yield and yield components of two wheat cultivars an experiment was conducted in Sanandaj in during 2005 and 2006-2007. Experiment was carried out in a split plot design based on RCBD with four replications. The three methods of tillage, including moldboard plow, chisel plow and no tillage were arranged as main plots, and two cultivars (Sardari and Azar 2) as the subplot. Also, the effect of different tillage methods on soil physical properties was evaluated with complete randomized blocks. The results showed that different tillage methods had significant effect on bulk density, porosity and soil cone index. The greatest bulk density and acone index was attained in chisel plow and no tillage system, respectively. The tillage methods and cultivars had a significant effect on yield and yield components. Sardary cultivars produced more grain (1624 kgha-1) than Azar2, statistically. The greater yield was attained in chisel plow than other tillage methods. Chisel plow improved soil water and soil physical properties. Using chisel plow resulted in maximum 1000 seed weight and maximum grain number in spike. Tillage methods and the cultivars had a significant effect on plant height and biomass.