Maximizing system productivity and profitability through crop intensification and diversification with rice (Oryza sativa)-based cropping systems in acid soils of Assam

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted for 6 consecutive years during 200809 to 201314, at Jorhat, Assam, to study the soil fertility, system productivity and profitability through crop intensification and diversification with rice (Oryza sativa L.)-based cropping system under irrigated medium land acid soil situation of Assam. From the pool analysis of data, it was observed that rice-equivalent yield, system productivity and nutrient-use productivity were found to be the highest in winter ricecabbage [Brassica oleracea (L.) greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] (REY 17.72 t/ha) sequence, followed by winter ricechilli (Capsicum annuum L.)blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] sequence (REY 14.37 t/ha) among the 8 cropping sequences under study. There were improvements in post harvest physico-chemical properties of soil in different rice-based cropping systems. Significant variation with 34.0, 36.9 and 65.5% increase in available N, P O and K O, respectively, were recorded in winter riceradish 2 5 2 (Raphanus sativus L.)French beangreengram sequences over initial status of soil. Total uptake of nutrients were also the highest of winter riceradishFrench beangreengram sequence followed by winter riceknolkhol [Brassica oleracea L. convar. acephala (L.) Alef. Var. gongylodes L.]French beancowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] (fodder) sequence. Economic analysis of the systems revealed that the highest gross returns (210.8 103 /ha), net returns (145.1 103 /ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.21) were recorded in winter ricecabbage greengram sequence under irrigated medium land situation of Assam.