Experiment code 17.9.3. 30
Experiment Title Effect of Various Tillage Practices in Established Mango Orchard (B. H. 12936)
Research Type Departmental Research
Experiment Background It has been observed that in a majority of mango orchards in South Gujarat, repeated and continuous tractor movement has led to progressive soil compaction. This compaction adversely affects soil physical properties, restricts root proliferation, and impairs physiological processes of the crop, ultimately resulting in delayed flowering and extended fruit maturation periods. Deterioration of soil structure also reduces water infiltration, aeration, and nutrient availability, thereby limiting overall orchard productivity. Enhancement of factor productivity and sustainable increase in fruit yield necessitate improvement in orchard soil health, particularly soil physical parameters such as bulk density, porosity, infiltration rate, and hydraulic conductivity. Among various crop production factors, tillage plays a critical role in modifying soil structure and influencing crop performance. It is estimated that tillage practices contribute directly up to 20% toward crop productivity and significantly affect the sustainable utilization of soil resources through their impact on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. However, inappropriate or excessive tillage practices may lead to several undesirable consequences, including destruction of soil aggregates, accelerated soil erosion, depletion of soil organic matter, reduced fertility status, and disturbances in water, carbon, and nutrient cycling processes. Therefore, adoption of scientifically designed and judicious tillage practices is essential not only for improving crop yield but also for overcoming soil-related constraints and ensuring long-term sustainability of orchard ecosystems.
Experiment Group Agricultural Engineering
Unit Type (02)EDUCATION UNIT
Unit (12)NAVINCHANDRA MAFATLAL COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE (NAVSARI)
Department (253)Agricultural Engineering Department, NMCA, Navsari
BudgetHead (303/12936/00)303/01/REG/00015
Objective
  1. To study the effect of tillage on soil physiochemical properties
  2. To study the effect of tillage on flowering and fruiting of Mango
  3. .To study the economics of different practices
Season Perennial
Location Unit Type (02)EDUCATION UNIT
Location Unit (12)NAVINCHANDRA MAFATLAL COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE (NAVSARI)
Location Department (253)Agricultural Engineering Department, NMCA, Navsari
Plot No NA
PI Name (NAU-EMP-2014-000075)ASHISH VASANT SONAWANE
PI Email ashishswe@nau.in
PI Mobile 8469999267
Year of Approval 2022
Commencement Year 2022
Completion Year 2026
Design of Experiment (Other)

Large plot design 3 (3 trees per sampling)

Crop Spacing (cm x cm)
Gross Plot (m x m) 75 m x 7.5 m
Net Plot (m x m) 75 m x 7.5 m
Total Experiment Area (m2) 6500
Plot History Last Three Year

Mango trees 

Initial Soil Sample Analysis Report

NA

Initial Soil Sample Analysis Report Attachment Attachment Not Available!
Layout Plan

NA

Layout Plan Attachment Attachment Not Available!
Treatment

T1:       Subsoil tillage

T2:       MB Plough tillage

T3:       Cultivator

T4:       Normal practice

            (Disk harrow + Rotavator)

T5:       Subsoil tillage + Cultivator

T6:       MB Plough tillage + Cultivator

T7:       No tillage

The tillage operations were carried out only once in the year 2021-22.

Treatment Attachment Attachment Not Available!
(NAU-EMP-2014-000075) ASHISH VASANT SONAWANE ashishswe@nau.in 8469999267 11-03-2026
Active
(NAU-EMP-2015-000303) REENA KUMARI SHREE HARIVANSH MISHRA reenakumari@nau.in 9712605302 11/03/2025
Active
(NAU-EMP-2009-000976) YATINKUMAR NARANBHAI TANDEL yatintandel1512000@nau.in 9601283385 11/03/2024
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