Abstract
The possibility of increasing the cropping intensity in Khordha district was assessed by block-wise characterisation of rainfall, soil texture, available water holding capacity of soil and district level temperature during the rice fallow period as well as deciding the appropriate sowing window for both kharif and rabi crops. More than 50% chances of occurrence of wet weeks at the beginning of the kharif season (20-22 SMW) indicated that the summer ploughing and initial seed bed preparation could be taken up during the period followed by sowing of rice from 23 SMW. The 42-43 SMW with greater than 30% initial probability of wet week at 20 mm threshold limit. Considering the length of growing period (LGP) available, the adjustment of rice variety duration by 10-15 days in medium land and advancement of pulse sowing almost by 15 days before harvest of the rice crop (Pira crop) in low land was registered as the best su suitable option for rabi pulses to ensure better utilisation of rice fallow. In addition to these, harvesting surplus water during kharif and storing in farm ponds for judicious utilisation during rabi season further enhanced the possibility of utilisation of rice fallow and increasing the cropping intensity. In the event of delayed monsoon the rice duration has to be adjusted accordingly not to sacrifice the designated suitable period for rabi pulses.
Highlights
Rice fallows basically refers to those medium and low lands kharif sown rice areas which remain uncropped during rabi season due to various reasons
Characterisation of rice fallow period involves studying the climatic and soil characteristics superimposed on Length of growing period and cropping system in order to bring out the agricultural potential of the concerned region
Due to various reasons such as cultivation of long duration paddy varieties, excessive and lack of moisture in rice field at the time of planting of winter crops, lack of irrigation, non availability of seeds of short duration varieties of rabi crops the short duration cold tolerant pulse varieties and other socioeconomic problems like stray cattle and blue bulls etc, an estimated area of more than 8mha remain fallow after harvest of paddy during rabi in these states
Summary
Rice fallows basically refers to those medium and low lands kharif sown rice areas which remain uncropped during rabi (winter) season due to various reasons. The occurrence of rainfall during post-monsoon is completely uncertain This situation necessitates the conservation of surplus rain water during kharif season and its effective utilisation during the lean period. In this context 12.20 lakh hectares of rice fallow is the most suitable area for increasing the production to meet the demands of growing population. Inclusion of short duration low water requiring pulses (green gram/ blackgram/ gram) offered excellent opportunity to utilize carry-over residual soil moisture in rice fallow (Rahmiaanna et al, 2000; Kar et al, 2004)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
