Abstract
Field study was conducted at Cereal Crops Research Institute Pirsabak Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan during 2009-2011 in a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement having four replications. Three tillage systems (TS) [minimum, conventional and deep] were laid out in main plots, whereas the subplots were six maize stubble management (SM) practices such as removal, burning and incorporation with and without nitrogen (N; 120 kg ha(-1)) application. The objective of the study was to examine the treatment effects on phenology, establishment and yield of succeeding wheat crop. Result showed that wheat phenology except days to emergence was not affected by different TS however; early emergence (10 days) was observed in minimum tillage rather than conventional and deep tillage system. Nitrogen fertilization (120 kg N ha-1) enhanced days to phenological observations, while no significant variation in days to emergence and physiological maturity were recorded among SM practices, however; stubble incorporation delayed the booting and anthesis stage compared to burning and removing. Minimum tillage improved emergence, tillers and grain yield (3134 kg ha(-1)) compared to deep tillage systems. Nitrogen fertilization at the rate of 120 kg ha(-1) and maize stubble incorporation prior to wheat sowing also improved emergence, tillers, plant height and grain yield compared to control and stubble removal or burning. It is concluded from current study that maize stubble incorporation with recommended dose of fertilizer N (120 kg ha(-1)) prior to wheat sowing delayed phenology, and improved wheat establishment and yield under minimum tillage in a continuous cereal based cropping system instead of stubble burning and removal. (C) 2016 Friends Science Publishers