Cropping Sequence Research Articles

Assessment of Rice-mustard & Rice-chickpea Cropping Sequence through Conservation Agricultural Practices under Rice- Fallow Cropping System in Satna District of Madhya Pradesh, India

Rice – Fallow land due to the growing of a longer more extended duration variety of Rice by farmers affect timely sowing of rabi crop and land remains fallow due to inadequate moisture in field along with terminal heat stresses (about 14000 ha area) in district Satna (M.P.).The trial consisted of three treatments viz., T1- Rice (Variety with maturity above 125 days) in Kharif- fallow in Rabi, T2- Rice (MTU-1010)-Mustard (Pusa Mustard 28), T3- Rice (MTU-1010)-Chickpea (RVG-202). The Rice- Mustard cropping system recorded higher Rice equivalent yield over Rice-fallow by 42.12 q ha-1, system productivity 36.97 kg ha-1day-1, profitability by ₹470.94 ha-1day-1 and net return ₹ 103608 ha-1. Similarly, Rice-Chickpea cropping system gave 37.84 q ha-1 Rice equivalent yield, 35.11 kg ha-1day-1 higher productivity, ₹ 431.56 ha-1day-1 and net return ₹ 94942 ha-1 higher profit than Rice-fallow cropping system. Thus, from the present study, it can be concluded that Rice-Chickpea and Rice-Mustard cropping systems are appropriate and effective ways to use fallow land under Rice- Fallow cropping system.

Effect of cover crops mixtures on weed suppression capacity in a dry sub-humid environment of Argentina

Cover crops (CC) are increasingly used worldwide within integrated weed management scenarios. They are usually established between two commercial crops and are not harvested, grazed, or incorporated into the soil, but remain on the surface during their growth cycle. The aim of this work was to determine the performance of different CC mixtures and their effects on weed suppression in the south-central region of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Field experiments were carried out in 2019 and 2020 at the CEI Barrow (MDA-INTA, Tres Arroyos), where both binary and ternary CC mixtures were evaluated. Binary mixtures consisted of winter cereals (Avena sativa, Secale cereale) and legumes (Vicia villosa, Vicia sativa) while ternary mixtures were obtained by combining binary mixtures with canola (Brassica napus). Weed emergence counting was performed on a 14- day basis to determine weed total density. Vegetation cover of the CC mixtures as well as biomass production from crops and weeds were estimated. The specific composition of the mixtures showed a greater influence on vegetation cover than on biomass production, which would depend mainly on the prevailing environmental conditions. The type of vetch used, the addition of canola, as well as, the proportion of cereals in the mixture determined the CC effect on weeds. CC were consistently more effective in suppressing weed biomass than seedling emergence density. However, weed seedling suppression by CC was similar to or even greater than the chemical-based control (p<0.0001). The average biomass of weeds in all CC (pooled data) was highly reduced when compared to the weedy control (12 vs 259 g m-2, p<0.001), and similar responses were obtained when compared to the chemical fallow (8 g m-2). The mixture S. cereal+ V. villosa+ canola stood out for presenting the highest values of productivity and vegetation cover and high weed suppression. These results provide support for the choice of CC mixtures in a dry sub-humid area of Argentina, aimed at maximizing interference with weeds and also to demonstrate their benefits in short- and long-term management. Therefore, CC implementation within crop sequences should be considered as a complementary tool contributing to the development of more sustainable management strategies.

Effects of agricultural landscape heterogeneity on pollinator visitation rates in Mediterranean oilseed rape

Agricultural intensification, by changing land use and modifying the yearly configuration and composition through crop sequences, affects the abundance and diversity of pollinators and, consequently, pollination. This study aims to assess the impact of the characteristics of agricultural landscapes on pollinator abundance in the Mediterranean region. We studied the response of three major wild pollinator groups (hoverflies, bumblebees, and wild bees) to four landscape characteristics: three related to composition, namely, equivalent crop diversity in the sampling year (eRg), previous year equivalent crop diversity (eRgP) and percentage of seminatural habitats (SNH), and one related to landscape configuration, namely, mean field size (MFS). For this evaluation, we selected twenty-two oilseed rape fields (OSRs) differing in surrounding landscape characteristics within a 1-km radius. Multimodel inference indicates that landscape variables affect pollinator groups differently. The percentage of SNH was the most important variable having a positive influence on the abundance of bumblebees, while eRgP and MFS were found to be important for the abundance of wild bees and hoverflies. These data allow us to prioritize actions aimed at specific groups of pollinators, improve agricultural landscape schemes, promote the conservation of wild pollinators, promote crop diversity at the landscape scale and increase the extent of seminatural areas.

Simulation-based assessment of residue management to mitigate N loss risk in winter wheat production

AbstractUnderstanding the interactions between nitrogen mineralization in soil and site-specific environmental factors is essential for developing tailored nitrogen management approaches in intensive agricultural systems. This study assesses the potential of residue management strategies to mitigate nitrogen leaching losses, focusing specifically on winter wheat following winter oilseed rape as a commonly practiced crop sequence in Germany with a high risk of N losses during the percolation period (August–March). Special attention has been given to the interactions of the proposed measures with extreme weather conditions that may become more frequent due to climate change. A well-established plant-soil process model implemented in the HUME modeling environment was used to evaluate the effects of incorporating, removing, or replacing oilseed rape residues with winter wheat straw at 10 sites over 25 years. Results highlight that precipitation exerts a greater influence on nitrogen leaching than local soil properties across the selected study sites. Winter wheat straw incorporation reduced total net nitrogen mineralization during fall by an average of 12 kg N ha−1 compared to the common practice of keeping the preceding crop residues. Surprisingly, the treatment effects on nitrogen leaching losses fall short of the expectation of a site-specific significant reduction. Most of the initial excess nitrogen remains in the upper layers of the soil profile accessible to wheat roots during the growth period, even in years of exceptional percolation. Nitrogen limitation due to persistent immobilization after winter wheat straw incorporation could not be effectively compensated, resulting in negative yield effects of about 11 ± 5 kg N ha−1. However, this treatment reduced the nitrogen surplus after spring droughts on average by 9.6 ± 4 kg N ha−1. Also, considering a farmer’s perspective, where the potential improvement in nitrogen efficiency must outweigh the additional costs of labor and machinery required to remove or replace residues, the results indicate that retaining the preceding crop residues is currently the most effective approach to mitigate nitrogen losses. Additionally, the study underscores the significance of accounting for site-specific and management-induced mineralization when estimating fertilizer demand to optimize agronomic productivity while minimizing the risk of nutrient losses through leaching.

A modelled quantification of reduced nitrogen fertiliser requirement and associated trade-offs from inclusion of legumes and fallows in wheat-based crop sequences

ContextGlobally there is a need to increase crop production and maintain soil fertility while reducing environmental impact. Intensive wheat production is dependent on synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilisers which represent ∼38% of total on-farm greenhouse gas emissions in Australia and contribute to N pollution. There are four major sources of N available for crop production 1) N mineralised from native soil organic matter (SOM) 2) N derived from biological fixation by legume-associated rhizobial bacteria 3) synthetic N fertiliser 4) N-rich manures, composts, biosolids and other organic wastes. Farmers can emphasise use of these different sources through their management. ObjectivesIn this study we use crop simulation to predict the minimum amount of N fertiliser required for semi-arid wheat crops to achieve economic yield (EY – defined as 80% of water limited potential yield, PYw) when grown in long-term (1991–2020) sequences and at different rotational intensities with either; grain legumes (GL, source 2), legume winter cover crops (CC, source 2) and winter fallow (WF, source 1) compared to continuous wheat (CW, source 3). Results and conclusionsLegume and fallow phases at 25–67% intensity (e.g. one out of four to two out of three crops) reduced the long-term mean fertiliser N application required to achieve EY. For every % area increase of GL and CC, the mean N applied to achieve EY was reduced by 1.3 kg N kg ha-1 (0.43–1.9 N kg ha-1). For every % area increase of WF the mean N applied to achieve EY was reduced by 1.1 kg N kg ha-1 (0.4–1.6 N kg ha-1). Global warming potential emissions from soil (CO2 and N2O) increased compared to CW when legume intensity increased in high rainfall environments with high SOM but decreased at increasing intensity in low rainfall environments with low SOM. Food energy production (kJ ha-1yr-1) was reduced relative to CW by inclusion of CC and WF and to a lesser extent GL in sequences due to reduced total grain production over the study period. However, protein yield increased as GL intensity increased relative to CW. The most profitable sequences over a 30-year period were CW, or GL at different intensities depending on environment. ImplicationsDiversification of wheat-based cropping systems with legumes reduces N fertiliser requirement, but depending on farming system context this benefit can trade off against production, profitability and environmental outcomes. Evaluation and exploitation of appropriate farming system contexts to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes is required to allow farmers and policy makers to make informed decisions on how to increase food production whilst minimising environmental impacts.

Screening suitable legumes for living mulches to support nitrogen dynamics and weed control in a durum wheat-forage sorghum crop sequence

Relay intercropping of service legumes (living mulch) is a valuable agroecological practice to support nutrient availability, yield and non-chemical weed control in a crops sequence, if suitable legumes are chosen. This study tested the suitability of eight legume living mulches for relay intercropping in durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) evaluating their effects on the subsequent forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in a Mediterranean low-input cereal-based cropping system. Legumes include perennial (Medicago sativa, Medicago lupulina, Trifolium repens, Hedysarum coronarium), annual (Trifolium incarnatum, Trifolium resupinatum) and annual self-seeding (Trifolium subterraneum, Medicago polymorpha) species. A plot experiment repeating two times a wheat-sorghum crop sequence, was carried out in Central Italy to assess the effects of relay intercropping of legumes on agronomical and economic performance of the associated wheat and subsequent sorghum. The legumes were undersown in the already developed durum wheat in late winter. They were maintained after wheat harvest and used as green manure by biomass chopping and plowing in the following spring at sorghum sowing time. None of the intercropped legumes affected N uptake or grain protein content of the companion wheat with respect to the control (wheat sole crop). In the spring before sorghum sowing, N input from legume biomass residues was assessed and it sensibly changed according to legume species, ranging from 1.2 (T. incarnatum) to 182 kg ha−1 (H. coronarium). The legume treatments significantly affected the N uptake in the subsequent sorghum and it ranged from 20.2 to 172.6 kg ha−1. Without the use of additional external nitrogen input, average sorghum dry biomass production preceded by H. coronarium (13.3 t ha−1), T. repens (11.8 t ha−1), T. subterraneum (11.0 t ha−1) and M. sativa (9.3 t ha−1) was in line with the productive level under conventional conditions. Biomass residues of M. sativa significantly reduced the total weed biomass in sorghum by 65% compared with the control. In sorghum, preceding legumes such as T. resupinatum and T. incarnatum promoted dicotyledonous weed growth. Hedysarum coronarium and T. repens were the best legumes for relay intercropping in the low-input wheat-sorghum crop sequence under Mediterranean conditions of this study according to agronomic and economic evaluation. These legumes were able to increase soil nitrogen content allowing to significantly reduce external nitrogen fertilization while optimizing sorghum production. When gross income is calculated at cropping system level, most legumes provide a positive economic balance.

Long‐term tillage impact on soil phosphorus under different crop sequences

AbstractManagement practices, such as tillage and cropping diversification, influence soil phosphorus (P) dynamics. The aim was to evaluate the long‐term effect of tillage systems (no tillage, NT; vertical tillage, VT; conventional tillage, CT) on total (TP) and extractable (Pe) soil P distribution under different crop sequences (corn–wheat/soybean, C–W/S; wheat/soybean, W/S; corn–corn, C–C; soybean–soybean, S–S). TP and Pe were measured up to 50 cm deep. The TP distribution was associated to soil organic carbon (SOC) (r = .89, p < .01) and tend to increase near soil surface under NT as compared with CT and VT. The Pe was sensitive to the crop residues pattern of accumulation and their quality in the topsoil. Crop sequences that included corn had lower Pe concentration under NT. Conversely, in W/S, Pe concentration was lower under VT with no differences between NT and CT and, in S–S sequence, there were no differences in Pe concentration. However, under NT the increase in the above‐ground biomass in sequences without corn (p < .001) increased Pe concentration in 0–5 cm layer, while the opposite occurs in sequences with corn (p < .06). In S–S under NT, the low crop residue input (1.6 Mg of dry matter ha−1) and the high Pe concentration in 0–5 cm layer (40 mg kg−1) might increase the risk of P loss to adjacent ecosystems. Intensified sequences presented more negative P balances than corn/soybean monoculture. This study demonstrates that it's necessary to develop management strategies that improve P supply in synchrony with the crop demand and decrease P loss, while keeping productivity.

Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management on Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Soil under MaizeBlackgram-Groundnut Cropping System

In order to investigate the immediate effects of integrated use of inorganic and organic sources of N and P on the performance of the maize-blackgram-groundnut cropping sequence in terms of yield, a field experiment was conducted at S.V. Agricultural College Farm, Tirupati during the rabi (maize), summer (blackgram), and kharif (groundnut) seasons of 2019-20. Ten treatments were applied to maize, including the control, fertilizers administered at 50%, 75%, and 100% of the recommended dose (NPK), N240 only, P80 only, FYM (@ 5 t ha-1) applied alone, and in combination with 100%, 75%, and 50% of the recommended NPK. These interventions were contrasted with the manure and no-fertilizer control. Blackgram was produced after maize without the use of fertilizer or manure. It was allowed to mature and expand for two pickings, the stover was incorporated into the soil. In the following rabi season, black gram was grown on the same field, and each main plot treatment of RBD was divided into three sub plot treatments with S1 (control), S2 (75% RDF), and S3 (50% RDF), yielding ninety treatment combinations replicated three times in split plot design .–increased fertilizer-N addition rates resulted in increased soil concentrations of ammonia, nitrate, and alkaline KMnO4 oxidisable (available) N. Similar to this, greater Olsen-P and total inorganic P values led to higher fertilizer-P dosages. It was discovered that applying FYM @ 5 t ha-1 and inorganic N together helped to keep the levels of all these types of soil N stable until groundnut harvest. Organic P revealed an inverse relationship with the Inorganic P content at all the growth stages of the three crops under study

Coconut Sap and Calamansi Extract as an Alternative Weed Killer

INTRODUCTION Weeds grow everywhere and most of them just bother the cleanliness of nature. These timeserving plants occupy spaces between crop sequences and crop within rows (Webber & Shrefler, 2009). People use synthetic chemicals to control the weeds and those chemicals can make the affected areas toxic especially the soil (Gardener & Fravel, 2002). Since synthetic chemicals are not eco-friendly, biological method is more preferable because it is selective with no side-effects, and is relatively cheap and self-propagating when it comes to biological control agents.

Influence of Nutrient Regulation on Ricebean (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi and Ohashi) Growth and Dry Matter

Aims: Within the realm of sustainable agriculture and its attendant issues, there exists a compelling need for a viable approach to cropping systems that integrates pragmatic and economically sound crop management tactics. This is imperative to uphold land productivity and secure a lasting provision of crops for human consumption. Acknowledging the pivotal contribution of organic manure when combined with chemical fertilizers in crop cultivation and the safeguarding of soil well-being, a research inquiry was formulated for a noteworthy cropping sequence.
 Study Design: Randomized block design.
 Place and Duration: School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema. Duration: 2019-2021.
 Methodology: The study took place from 2019 to 2021 at the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema Campus in Nagaland. The primary aim was to assess the lasting impact of both manure and fertilizers on yield and soil condition in a ricebean system over this two-year duration. In the second week of April in both 2019 and 2020, Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata), a green manure crop, was sown using seeds. After a 30-day decomposition period, this green manure was incorporated into the soil. Soil samples were collected from the upper 0-15 cm layer of each experimental plot and analyzed. The experimental field was laid out in randomized block design with three level of organic manures i.e., poultry manure (PM), pig manure (PGM) and farm yard manure (FYM) along with doses of inorganic fertilizers : 100% RDF, 75% RDF, 50% RDF. The treatment combinations included T1 : GM (Sesbania) + PM (0.7 t ha-1) + 100 % RDF; T2: GM (Sesbania) +PM (0.7 t ha-1) + 75 % RDF; T3: GM (Sesbania) + PM (0.7 t ha-1) + 50 % RDF ; T4: GM (Sesbania) + PGM (0.7 t ha-1) + 100 % RDF; T5: GM (Sesbania) +PGM (0.7 t ha-1) + 75% RDF; T6: GM (Sesbania) + PGM (0.7 t ha-1) + 50 % RDF; T7: GM (Sesbania) +FYM (4 t ha-1) + 100 % RDF; T8: GM (Sesbania) + FYM (4 t ha-1) + 75 % RDF; T9: GM (Sesbania) +FYM (4 t ha-1) + 50 % RDF.
 Results: In treatment T1, which involved the application of a blend of green manure and poultry manure at a rate of 0.7 tons per hectare, coupled with a full dose of RDF, exhibited outstanding outcomes in ricebean cultivation. This resulted in elevated seed yields, improved seed quality, sustained soil health, and maximized economic gains for farmers in the foothill conditions of Nagaland.
 Conclusion: The substantial enhancement in ricebean growth parameters can be credited to the rich nutrient content and beneficial micronutrients present in poultry manure. combining Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) with poultry manure, known for its ability to boost nodule formation in legumes, improved soil fertility, fostered beneficial microbial activity, and promoted legume health, ultimately leading to higher yields. In contrast, farmyard manure (FYM) outperformed pig manure due to its balanced nutrients, microbial activity, organic matter, and positive impact on soil quality, creating an optimal environment for plant growth. Poultry manure's capacity to stimulate nodule formation, enhance soil fertility, and support legume health resulted in increased nitrogen fixation and improved yields in leguminous crops, fostering early root development and robust growth in ricebean crops.

Land use planning to minimize the export of phosphorus: An optimization model for dairy production at a catchment area scale

The intensification of activities in the Santa Lucia River basin in Uruguay has resulted in an increase in the concentration of nutrients in surface waters with the consequent acceleration of the eutrophication. Dairy production, of great relevance in the area, needs to increase production to ensure the economic viability of the activity. In this context, it is necessary to find solutions that address trade-offs between productivity and polluting potential. A dairy sub-basin of the Santa Lucia River was selected as a case study to develop an optimization model with the aim of minimizing phosphorus exportation over a four-year planning horizon while meeting restrictions on the crop sequence allowed, dry matter productivity and number of crops in each sub-basin producer. An integer linear programming formulation was proposed to model the problem. It was possible to obtain a model that managed to reduce phosphorus runoff losses by planning land uses and complying the restrictions. Exists a wide field of improvement of the model, which is a useful tool for analysis of scenarios and trade-off between productivity and environmental care.

Anisotropy of soil hydraulic properties induced by repeated machinery traffic in a Typic Argiudoll of the Argentinean Pampas Region

The increase in heavy machinery traffic due to crop sequence intensification under no-tillage (NT) management can lead to soil compaction, modifying the soil pore configuration, with negative effects on water dynamics. The objective of this work is to evaluate the residual effects of repeated machinery traffic under different soil water contents on the anisotropy of soil hydraulic properties. The residual effect of repeated machinery traffic under different soil moisture conditions (partially dry, PD, and wet, W) on soil compaction was evaluated and compared with the control treatment (no traffic, T0). Field infiltration using tension disc infiltrometer was carried out, and in laboratory, in order to analyse the anisotropy of soil hydraulic properties infiltration experiments were carried out on vertical and horizontal undisturbed soil samples. No significant differences in field soil hydraulic conductivity K(h) were observed between treatments. The W treatment showed a decrease on the transmission and storage pores in the vertical direction, as compared to T0. Anisotropic behavior of soil hydraulic properties was observed for the compacted treatments. The W treatment showed an increment in the transmission porosity in the horizontal direction. In addition, the W treatment presented higher values of transmission and storage pores in the horizontal direction as compared with the vertical direction. From laboratory infiltration experiments, it was observed a strong reduction on the hydraulic conductivity measured at 0, − 3 and − 6 cm water pressure heads (K0, K3 and K6) in the vertical direction under W treatment. An anisotropic behavior for both compacted treatments was observed, with higher values of K0 in the vertical direction under the PD treatment and higher values of K0 and K3 in the horizontal direction under the W treatment. These results show that machinery traffic under wet conditions causes a disruption in soil porosity, not only with a reduction of the pore space, but also with a change in its configuration.

Cover crop benefit bacteria and increase aggregate-associate soil C and N storage

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of four crop sequences with different aboveground biomass and crop residue biochemical composition on biological soil variables, fractions of soil organic matter, and soil aggregation. The study was carried out in a long-term experiment under no-till, in the Argentinean Pampas (31°51′ S; 60°32′ W), on an Aquic Argiudoll. The treatments were: i) fertilized soybean monocropping (Syf), ii) winter cover crop (CC)/ fertilized soybean (CC/Syf), iii) N-fertilized winter CC/fertilized soybean (CCN/Syf), and iv) N-fertilized winter CC/fertilized soybean in a crop rotation: CCN/Syf - wheat [Triticum aestivum L.] for grain production/soybean - maize [Zea mays L.] (CCN/Syf rot). Wheat was used as winter CC. Crop residues were sampled in four moments, and were separated into different fractions. Furthermore, crop residue quality was analyzed according to Van Soest (Cellulose, Hemicellulose, Lignin, Non- structural carbohydrates), and %C and %N was also determined. In soil samples obtained at 0–5 cm depth, we determined: soil organic C, total N, particulate organic matter C and N, mineral-associated organic matter C and N, C and N stocks in different aggregate-size classes, microbial biomass C and N (MBC and MBN), fungal and bacterial biomass-C (FBC and BBC), and N released after a 7-d anaerobic incubation. From June to November, Syf exhibited slower decomposition of soybean stems and an increase in the non-identifiable residue biomass. Intensified crop sequences (i.e., with CC) increased MBC (∼38%) and BBC (∼115%), but had no effect on FBC. The BBC was positively correlated with Hemicellulose (r = 0.86, P < 0.001), but negatively associated with lignin (r = −0.84, P < 0.001) and the lignin:N ratio (r = − 0.89, P < 0.001) in the crop residue. The C and N stocks in aggregates >2000 μm were 263% and 227% greater in treatments with CC than Syf, respectively, and correlated with improvements in the MBC and MBN (r = 0.87, P < 0.001 and r = 0.88, P < 0.001, respectively), particularly the BBC. Intensification of crop sequences through the incorporation of CC provided crop residues with a higher availability of easily decomposable C compounds. This enhancement stimulated the soil biota responsible for decomposition, particularly bacteria. Our study highlights the importance of increasing cropping intensity and covering the soil with live vegetation, resulting in a healthier soil.

Diversified crop sequencing for suppression of creeping perennial weeds in organic production systems

In the Northern Great Plains, organic production is often limited by creeping perennial weeds. Producers have typically relied on alfalfa to control these weeds but this is not always practical. Therefore, we investigated Canada thistle, field bindweed, and perennial sowthistle suppression from three diversified crop sequences: (i) ALF, three years of alfalfa followed by a fourth year of hard red spring wheat (HRSW); (ii) LENCL, lentil the first year, HRSW interseeded with yellow sweetclover the second year, yellow sweetclover green manure the third year, and HRSW the fourth year; and (iii) CCPLY, nine species cool-season cover crop (CC) polyculture the first year, HRSW the second year, nine-species cool and warm season CC the third year, and HRSW the fourth year. From 2019 to 2021, at peak weed emergence, Canada thistle density declined in ALF, but remained unchanged in LENCL and CCPLY. During peak weed vegetative growth, Canada thistle density in ALF was greatest during 2020 (7 shoots per m−2), then declined during 2021 and 2022 (1 and 0.6 shoots m−2, respectively). Within LENCL, Canada thistle density did not change from 2019 to 2020 (15 and 14 shoots m−2, respectively), but then declined to 0.3 shoots m-2 in 2021 before rebounding again to 5 shoots m−2 in 2022. Within CCPLY, Canada thistle density did not change over time (mean ​= ​9 shoots m−2). Canada thistle biomass at peak weed vegetative growth followed similar patterns. Likewise, ALF was shown to suppress perennial sowthistle and field bindweed more effectively than LENCL or CCPLY. Hence, alfalfa remains a good choice for creeping perennial weed management. However, none of these weed species increased substantially in LENCL and CCPLY, and the final year HRSW yield did not differ among cropping sequences. Therefore, these two sequences may provide crop diversification options along with creeping perennial weed management.

On-farm studies on rice-groundnut vis-a-vis rice-rice sequence system under irrigated dry situations of Telangana

On farm studies on rice-groundnut vis-a-vis farmers’ practice of rice-rice sequence was conducted in ten peasants’ fields of Medak district of Telangana state. Rice-groundnut sequence realized 9.8% higher mean rice grain equivalent yield (13377 kg/ha) than rice-rice (12186 kg/ha). The mean gross and net returns of diversified sequence were Rs 227407 and 100651/ha, while that of traditional practice were Rs 207157 and 76710/ha respectively. On an average a B C ratio of 1.9 was gained in improved cropping sequence as against the 1.5 under farmers’ practice indicating the profitability of diversified cropping systems.

The first map of crop sequence types in Europe over 2012–2018

Abstract. Crop diversification is considered a key element of agroecological transition, whereas current dominant cropping systems are known to rely on only a few crop species – like cereals in Europe. To assess the benefits of crop diversification at a large scale, an accurate description of current crop sequences is required as a baseline. However, such a description is lacking at the scale of Europe. Here, we developed the first map of dominant crop sequences in Europe for the period 2012–2018. We used the Land Use Cover Area frame statistical Survey (LUCAS) dataset that provides temporally incomplete (2012, 2015 and 2018) land cover information from a stable grid of points covering Europe. Eight crop sequence types were identified using hierarchical clustering implemented on LUCAS data and mapped over Europe. We show, in France, that the relative importance of these eight crop sequence types (as estimated from LUCAS data) was highly consistent with those derived from an almost spatially exhaustive temporally complete national dataset (the French Land Parcel Identification System) for the same period, thus validating the method and typology for this country. Land use (i.e. crop production area) derived from our map of dominant crop sequences was also highly consistent with land use reported by official statistics at both national and European levels, validating the approach at a European scale. This first map of dominant crop sequences in Europe should be useful for future studies dealing with agricultural issues that are sensitive to crop rotations. The map of dominant crop sequence types in Europe derived from our work is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7016986 (Ballot et al., 2022).

Profile Distribution of Available Boron and Secondary Micro Nutrients in Rice-Groundnut Growing Soils of Jajpur District, Odisha, India

An investigation was conducted to examine the distribution of available Boron secondary micro nutrients and the relationships between boron with soil properties and other nutrients in the rice-groundnut growing soils of Jajpur district, Odisha. The clay content increased downward without following any definite trend. Soil pH of surface horizons was acidic and increased downward to neutral range. EC ranged between 0.02 dSm-1 to 0.13 dSm-1. The soil organic carbon ranged from 0.17% to 0.63% with decreasing trend towards sub surface horizon. The exchangeable Ca, Mg and S content varied from 3.68 mg kg-1 to 6.76 mg kg-1, 0.82 cmole (p+) kg‑1 to 6.24 cmole (p+) kg-1 and 0.62 mg kg-1 to 14.19 mg kg-1 respectively. Ca and Mg increased with increasing depth, whereas S showed the reverse trend. The DTPA- Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and B content of pedon soil ranged from 60.68 mg kg-1 to 312.08 mg kg-1, 6.48 mg kg-1 to 36.76 mg kg-1, 0.62 mg kg-1 to 4.15 mg kg-1, 0.42 mg kg-1 to 1.15 mg kg-1 and 0.05 mg kg-1 to 1.01 mg kg-1 respectively Fe, Mn and Zn increased from surface to sub surface but Cu and B showed the reverse trend. The availability of Boron is positively correlated with organic carbon, Exch. Mg, Fe, and Cu. Negatively correlated with pH, Exch. Ca, S, Mn, and Zn. Pedon soils were deficient with B, S, Zn and rich in Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and Cu. Fe was in toxic level in table land zone of sukinda. The available B was found to be deficient throughout the district in up and medium land except in subsurface layers of low land. The availability of B is positively correlated with organic carbon, Exch. Mg, Fe and Cu factors but negatively correlated with pH, Exch. Ca, S, Mn, and Zn. In an agricultural district like Jajpur the key element B for rice-groundnut crop sequence should be applied to soil and leaf of rice, groundnut, and other crops grown in the district.

Unraveling the Impact of Cumin-Centric Cropping Sequences on Cumin Yield, Economic Viability, and Dynamics of Soil Enzymatic Activities in Hot Arid Climatic Conditions

A comprehensive study spanning three kharif and rabi seasons (2018–2019, 2020–2021, and 2021–2022) was conducted to investigate the intricate interactions among different cropping sequences and their impacts on cumin yield, financial outcomes, and soil microbial dynamics. The experiment was designed using a randomized block design, comprising eight distinct treatment combinations, each replicated three times. The results revealed compelling insights into the potential of specific cropping sequences to enhance multiple aspects of agricultural sustainability. The results revealed that the highest cumin yield (averaging 592 kg ha−1 over the three years) was achieved when cumin was cultivated subsequent to pearl millet, showcasing significant increases of 14.28% and 23.07% over the cumin–fallow and cumin–cotton cropping systems, respectively. When it came to cumin equivalent yield, the cumin–cotton cropping sequence (985 kg ha−1) emerged as the most favorable, closely followed by cumin–groundnut (968 kg ha−1). Furthermore, analyzing net realizations and benefit–cost ratios demonstrated that the cumin–pearl millet cropping sequence stood out with the maximum values (₹88,235 ha−1 and 2.7, respectively), followed by the cumin–mung bean cropping system (₹84,164 ha−1 and 2.47, respectively). Among the various cropping sequences studied, cumin–mung bean, cumin–cluster bean, cumin–pearl millet and cumin–groundnut were recorded as statistically similar in terms of soil microbial enzymatic activities viz. fluorescein diacetate (FDA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and microbial biomass carbon and were at par over the cumin–sorghum, cumin–sesame, cumin–cotton and cumin–fallow cropping systems. These findings emphasize the significance of strategic crop sequencing for sustainable agriculture practices that simultaneously optimize productivity and maintain soil health.

OPTIMAL CROPPING SEQUENCE OF SMALL-SCALE FARMS IN THE RAIN-FED SECTOR OF GADARIF STATE- SUDAN(1)

The study aimed to examine the Optimal Cropping Sequence of the main crops grown under the rain-fed sector of Gadarif state - Sudan: such as sorghum, millet, sesame and groundnuts. The study used both primary and secondary data. Multistage random sampling technique was used to collect primary data on small-scale farms from three villages of the state by means of questionnaire as a sample farmer from 175 of Gadarif State, during 2017 -2018 season. Secondary data were collected from Central Bureau of Statistics and Federal Ministry of Agriculture. Linear programming technique was used to determine the optimal cropping sequence of small-scale farms (less than 210ha) in the rain-fed sector of Gadarif state. Spread sheet of the excel solver was used to run the analysis. The results revealed that the current cultural practices and crop sequence, in which sorghum do not come after sesame, was not the optimal one. Food-crops (sorghum and millet) did not enter the optimal cropping pattern under the current sequences and policy measures, with sesame dominated the total land. The crop sequence of groundnuts, sesame, sorghum and millet proved to be the optimal cropping pattern that improves farmer’s returns. Under such sequence, the four crops entered the optimum plan and farmers’ returns exceed of the current situation by 181.94%, but if this sequence is used with the recommended full package of technological improvement, then farmers’ net returns will increase three times than the current practices. Small-scale farmers should be encouraged to adopt the crop sequence in which sorghum come after sesame. They should also be encouraged to change their mind to become commercially oriented (by following the crop sequences with greatest returns according to local and international demand and expected prices. Even if the subsistence crop is excluded).

Impact of Cropping Systems on Soil Organic Carbon Levels and Enzyme Activity

Monocropping makes agriculture more susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change. Resilient agriculture systems that can buffer crops against various agricultural vulnerabilities is the need of the hour. In this context, a study was conducted to assess the impact of various rice based cropping systems on soil health.&#x0D; Aims: To study the effect of different rice based cropping systems on soil enzyme activity and organic carbon.&#x0D; Study Design: Randomized block design, Replications – 3.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Integrated Farming System Research Station (IFSRS) of Kerala Agricultural University located at Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, during kharif, rabi and summer seasons of 2019-2020.&#x0D; Methodology: The experiment consists of eleven cropping systems (T1 : rice - fallow - fallow, T2 : rice - rice - fallow, T3 : rice - daincha - cowpea, T4 : (rice + daincha) - rice - green gram, T5 : rice - cassava - amaranthus, T6 : rice - cassava - cowpea, T7 : rice - para grass - fodder cowpea, T8 : rice - fodder cowpea - fodder maize, T9 : rice - okra - culinary melon, T10 : rice - okra - yard long bean and T11 : rice - rice – amaranthus).&#x0D; Results: Soil organic carbon and enzyme activities were found highest in the cropping system (rice+daincha) – rice – green gram during kharif. During rabi, soil organic carbon and activity of urease and acid phosphatase were highest in rice- daincha- cowpea while dehydrogenase activity was highest in rice- fodder cowpea – fodder maize. During summer, rice- okra – yard long bean, rice- cassava- amaranthus and rice- cassava – cowpea recorded the highest urease, acid phosphatase and dehydrogenase activity, respectively. The organic carbon was highest for the sequence rice – okra –culinary melon. The soil organic carbon and enzyme activities were least in rice- fallow-fallow cropping sequence during all the three cropping seasons.&#x0D; Conclusion: Brown manuring, use of leguminous crops and cover crops in the crop sequence instead of leaving the land fallow and addition of organic sources of nutrition increase the soil organic carbon and enzymatic activity of microbes. The increase in soil organic carbon and activity of enzymes in soil owing to crop rotation of rice with arable crops relies on the crop species which are cultivated.