In-situ green manuring for enhancing productivity, profitability and sustainability of upland rice

Abstract

Upland rice is commonly grown during rainy season in Himalayan hills. Low or no application of fertilizer nutrients and heavy weed infestation are the major constraints leading to low productivity of rice in this region. Thus, the present investigation was conducted to see the effect of in-situ green manure in supplementing nutrients and saving of labour due to reduction in manual weeding from 2 to 1. Different combinations of chemical fertilizer with green manure or FYM were evaluated. In-situ green manuring with sunhemp improved the overall productivity of upland rice. Highest yield attributes, yield and sustainability index was recorded with 100% NPK + green manure, which were at par with 75% NPK + green manure. However, these values were lowest under 100% NPK application. Higher productivity and saving of labour under green manuring resulted in higher net return and benefit: cost ratio. Soil available nutrients (NPK) and net balance of NPK were also higher under 100% NPK + green manure. The study clearly suggests that in-situ green manure is a viable low-cost technology for enhancing productivity and profitability of upland rice in the fragile ecosystem of Himalayan hills.