Effect of organic nitrogen sources and biofertilizers on production potential and energy budgeting of rice (Oryza sativa)-based cropping systems

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 200506 and 200607 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to find out the ef- fect of organic nitrogen sources and biofertilizers on system productivity and energy budgeting of rice ( Oryza sa- . tiva L )-based cropping system. Ricepotato [ Solanum tubersoum (L.)]onion [ Allium cepa (L.)] system recorded significantly higher production efficiency (97.5 kg/ha/day), land-utilization efficiency (91.4%), economic efficiency ( 738/ha/day), energy input (61.08103MJ/ha) and energy output (187.09103MJ/ha). The lowest (39.4 103MJ/ ha) energy intensiveness was recorded in ricetable pea ( Pisum sativum var. hor tense)cowpea [ Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cropping system. However, the organic nutrition with biofertilizers ( Azotobacter and phos- phate-solubilizing bacteria) had the highest rice-equivalent grain yield (35.3 t/ha), production efficiency (96.7kg/ha/ day), land utilization efficiency (89.8%), economic efficiency (803 ha/day) and energy-use efficiency (3.15) of sys- tem, followed by organic nitrogen sources alone (3.0). Recommended dose of N @100% through organic nitrogen sources alone was the next best treatment resulting in higher productivity and system efficiency. Rice-potato-on- ion cropping system was found most productive, profitable and energy efficient with application of 100% recom- mended dose of nitrogen through organic sources along with biofertilizers.