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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 12 No. sp1 (2025): Recent Advances in Agriculture by Young Minds - II

Impact of conservation agriculture practices on maize in semi-arid tropics of Tamil Nadu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.9128
Submitted
26 April 2025
Published
07-10-2025

Abstract

Conservation agriculture (CA) holds promise for improving soil health and crop yields in the semi-arid tropics, particularly in regions of Tamil Nadu, where rainfed agriculture is common. Studies emphasize the impact of conservation agriculture practices, such as minimum tillage and residue management, on maize production in this region. Focusing on the optimal treatment of minimum tillage combined with an irrigation water to cumulative pan evaporation (IW/CPE) ratio of 0.8, pre-emergence herbicide application, followed by one hand weeding and the application of 100 % Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF). Results indicate that this integrated approach significantly enhances various growth parameters, notably plant height and Dry Matter Production (DMP), leading to substantial increases in maize yield. Comprehensive analyses reveal that the specified combination not only improves the physical attributes of maize plants but also optimizes the nutrient uptake efficiency, particularly in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Statistical analysis using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrates that this treatment yields the highest positive correlations with the measured growth traits and nutrient levels, suggesting its effectiveness over alternative farming practices. The findings underscore the potential of these conservation practices to improve crop resilience and productivity in the region, addressing the challenges posed by variable climatic conditions. By implementing this sustainable agriculture framework, farmers can enhance maize productivity, thus contributing to food security while promoting environmental sustainability in the semi-arid tropics. This research advocates for a broader adoption of such conservation agriculture strategies in similar agro-ecological zones to maximize resource use efficiency and agricultural outputs, thereby improving farmer livelihoods and ensuring sustainable maize production in Tamil Nadu.

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