Response of Land Configuration and Mulches on Maize–Frenchbean–Toria Cropping System

Abstract

Alteration in soil‐topography and placement of mulches could play an important role in in situ conservation of resources. The objective of this study was to assess the productivity, water use, and weed smothering in the rainfed maize (Zea mays L.)–frenchbean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)–toria (Brassica campestris L.) cropping system. Results revealed that the yield improvement under broad bed and furrow (BBF) was noticed up to 33.7% in maize grain, 35.3% in frenchbean green pod, and 28.2% in toria seeds followed by ridges and furrow (R&F) over flat bed (FB). Placement of mulch improved the crop yield by 14.2, 14.4 and 12.4%, respectively than without mulch plots. The FB plots recorded with profuse growth of weeds and obtained highest weed dry biomass. Weed smothering efficiency (WSE) improved by 43.6 to 65.1% in BBF and 54.4 to 72.8% with mulch over FB and without mulch, respectively. Maize and frenchbean under FB plots utilized 43.1 and 14.2% more rain water than the R&F, whereas, R&F plots in toria utilized 12% more than FB plots. The BBF improved the water‐use efficiency (WUE) by 77.9, 40.6, and 37.2% respectively in maize, frenchbean, and toria over FB plots. Placement of mulch utilized the rain water to the tune of 10.4 to 36.1% higher, but WUE was considerably improved by 7.8 and 21.2%, respectively with frenchbean and toria under without mulch plots. Permanent beds along with crop residues as mulch can be utilized as promising resource conserving sustainable production technology in Southeast Asia.Core Ideas Land configuration and mulches improved the crop productivity. Highest weed smothering obtained under broad bed and furrow with mulch. Water‐use efficiency improved under broad bed and furrow along with mulch.