Energy and Economic Efficiency of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) under Upland Paddy Cultivation at High Elevations of North-East India

Abstract

Background: The study looks at integrated nutrient treatments’ energy requirements and the link between energy input and output and economic benefits. The experiment was conducted during 2019 to 2020 to compare the energy budget and monetary returns under INM modules in upland paddy. Methods: A total of 12 organic, inorganic and INM modules were evaluated employing randomised block design. Fertilizers, organic manures, bio-fertilizers viz., Azospirillum lipoferum, phosphorus solubilizing bacteria, potassium mobilizing bacteria, Glomus and zinc solubilizing bacteria were used. Result: Energy output and net energy were highest with INM treatments (T10 - 100% recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) + Farm Yard Manure + Azospirillum lipoferum + PSB + KMB + Glomus + ZnSB), while energy use efficiency, energy productivity and energy efficiency ratio were highest in control (T1) in 2019 and in 2020 recorded the highest in T11 (Azospirillum lipoferum + PSB + KMB + Glomus + ZnSB). Other treatments, except T11 and T12 - FYM + Azospirillum lipoferum + PSB + KMB + Glomus + ZnSB, were at par. Although in T10 benefit cost ratio was lower than T9 (100% of RDF + Azospirillum lipoferum + PSB + KMB + Glomus + ZnSB), T10 produced maximum returns than other treatments. Due to its high returns, despite the need for non-renewable resources and low energy use efficiency, integration of various soil amendments were significant for maintaining production sustainability. However, long term experimentation needed to ascertain the overall benefit of INM practices in upland paddy in hilly regions of North East India.