Net Economic Returns Research Articles

Economic feasibility and impacts of replacing tobacco with alternative crops in smallholder cropping systems: evidence from Uganda

ABSTRACT Tobacco is grown on more than 4 million hectares of global agricultural land in at least 124 countries. As a member state to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) international treaty, Uganda seeks to support economically viable alternative activities as a means to tobacco control because previous efforts with tobacco control that focused on the demand side have failed to control tobacco supply. This study employed the Tradeoff Analysis-Minimum Data (TOA-MD) model to assess tradeoffs and associated economic impacts of switching from tobacco to alternative crops in smallholder cropping systems. Results revealed that switching from tobacco to alternative crops is economically feasible for most of the farms owing to the higher net economic returns. The proportion of farms that expect higher returns from alternative crops is highest for cassava (97%) followed by maize (87%), rice (83%) and the least for beans (74%). Cassava is the best alternative for both small and large farms because of the highest gains in farm net returns, per capita income and poverty reduction. The next feasible crop alternatives for large farms are maize and rice. Despite their economic feasibility, alternative crops are typical of uncertain markets with unorganised structures for production. Since these are important incentives for tobacco farmers, the study recommends development of institutions that foster value chain development for alternative crops. Supporting agro-processors is likely to guarantee markets and provide for lump-sum payments, input credit for production and a reliable extension service system as way of incentivizing a sustainable switch to alternative cropping systems.

Optimization of Irrigation and Fertilization in Maize–Soybean System Based on Coupled Water–Carbon–Nitrogen Interactions

Effective water and nitrogen management plays a pivotal role in enhancing crop yields while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study differs from previous research by investigating the effects of water–nitrogen co-regulation involving organic carbon on the yield increase and emission mitigation in a soybean–maize system. A dryland experiment was conducted, employing 20 distinct combinations of water and nitrogen treatments that were meticulously designed for the maize–soybean system. The DSSAT crop model was employed to quantitatively elucidate the intricate interactions between water and nitrogen. A multi-objective optimization model, integrating experimental data and mechanistic insights, was constructed and refined using the NSGA-III genetic algorithm to identify the optimal water and nitrogen application ratios. An analysis of maize and soybean data from Acheng in Heilongjiang, China, indicates that optimized irrigation and nitrogen application regimes—152.2 mm and 247.1 kg·ha−1 for maize and 91.7 mm and 106.2 kg·ha−1 for soybean—substantially enhanced the net economic returns within the dryland ecosystem. There is a significant positive correlation between the yield (Y), soil nitrogen content, and soil organic carbon (SOC). Nitrate nitrogen has a significant positive correlation with CO2 gas emissions. Organic carbon changes the soil’s carbon to nitrogen ratio by participating in the water and nitrogen cycles, thereby affecting nitrogen and phosphorus loss and carbon emissions. This study presents a sustainable method for regulating water and nitrogen in the maize–soybean system.

The economic effect of cow-based reproductive management programs with a systematic use of reproductive hormones

The economic effect of cow-based reproductive management programs with a systematic use of reproductive hormones

Impact of No Tillage and Low Emission N Fertilization on Durum Wheat Sustainability, Profitability and Quality

Mitigation practices for cereal systems, including conservation agriculture and low emission fertilization, are required to face global challenges of food security and climate change. The combination of these climate-smart approaches was investigated for durum wheat in a dry region of the Mediterranean basin in two crop seasons. The experimental design consisted in two different genotypes, Marco Aurelio (high protein content) and Saragolla (higher adaptability), subjected to no tillage (NT) vs. conventional tillage (CT) and to two fertilization strategies (standard vs. low emission plus an unfertilized control). Different environmental and economic sustainability parameters as well as two different technological and nutritional quality traits were evaluated. Saragolla showed a better environmental adaptability and a higher nitrogen use efficiency, evaluated as partial nutrient balance (+27%), and was associated with a lower protein content (14.5% vs. 15.6%). NT was associated with an improvement in yield (+15%) and quality, i.e., micronutrients (Fe, Zn) and antioxidant capacity (+15%), in the drier crop year. Low emission fertilization did not reduce crop performance and its combination with NT showed a higher economic net return. The combination of the two mitigation practices improved not only environmental and economic sustainability but also the health quality of durum wheat under water limited conditions.

Bulb Yield and Economic Return of Onion (Allium cepa L.) as Influenced by the Application of Integrated Nutrient Management at Selekleka, Northwestern Zone of Tigray, North Ethiopia

Onion is an important crop as a condiment and income generation for smallholder farmers in northwestern Zone of Tigray. However, Continuous use of inorganic fertilizers and inappropriate soil fertility management practices are among the major factors limiting onion productivity in the North Western Tigray. Therefore, a field experiment was undertaken in selekleka district from October 2015 to June 2016 to assess the effects of integrated nutrient management on bulb yield and economic return of onion (Allium cepa L.). The treatments consisted of combinations of two rates of farmyard manure (FYM) (10 and 20 t ha-1) and two rates of vermicompost (VC) (2.5 and 5 t ha-1) each combined with three rates of nitrogen (25, 50 and 75) of recommended N fertilizers, RDF. In addition, 100% RDF N (69 kg N ha-1), 100% (5 t ha-1) of VC, 100% (20 t ha-1) FYM and zero rates (unfertilized treatment) were used for comparison. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. (ANOVA) revealed that combined application of 5 t ha-1 VC+50% inorganic N fertilizers recorded the highest bulb yield (35.13 t ha-1) and economic return (246,354 Birr ha-1). On the other hand, the lowest bulb yield (18.48 t ha-1) and economic net return (143,018 Birr ha-1) were obtained from the control. It could, thus, be concluded that, based on the partial budget analysis and bulb yield result the application of 5 t ha-1 vermicompost and 50 % recommended inorganic nitrogen was the appropriate combination for better onion production and economic return in the study area.

Organic input incorporation for enhancing sustainability and economic viability of cowpea in North-Western Himalayan region

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. [Walp.]) cultivation encounters a plethora of challenges such as suboptimal productivity levels, declined income levels, and poor soil health under conventional fertilization systems. Therefore, the present field investigation was undertaken at the Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, CSKHPKV, Palampur in the rainy season of 2019 to evaluate eight combinations of organic farming and Zero Budget Natural Farming (NF) based inputs, i.e., Beejamrita (100 ml kg−1 of seed) + Jeewamrita (187.5 L ha−1); Beejamrita (100 ml kg−1 of seed) + GhanaJeewamrita (250 kg ha−1); Beejamrita (100 ml kg−1 of seed) + Jeewamrita (187.5 L ha−1) + GhanaJeewamrita (250 kg ha−1); farm yard manure (FYM) 10 Mg ha−1; FYM (10 Mg ha−1) + GhanaJeewamrita (250 kg ha−1); biofertilizers (PSBs and Rhizobium at 10 g kg−1 of seed) + FYM (10 Mg ha−1) + vermiwash (1:10); biofertilizers (PSBs and Rhizobium at 10 g kg−1 of seed) + vermicompost (7.5 Mg ha−1) + vermiwash (1:10); absolute (untreated) control; in a randomized complete block design with three replications for their influence over cowpea productivity, profitability, and energetics. The results of the investigation revealed that applying FYM (10 Mg ha−1) and GhanaJeewamrita (250 kg ha−1) in combination resulted in significantly higher grain yield(1,070.5 kg ha−1), economic net returns (766.61 USD ha−1), net energy gains (78,230 MJ ha−1), and considerably improved soil microbial biomass carbon (133.92 mg g−1 of soil), nitrogen (27.40 mg g−1 of soil), urease (52.20 (mg g−1 urea of soil h−1), and dehydrogenase activity (5.21mg g−1 TPF of soil h−1). Improved soil biological properties in the present study might have been responsible for considerable increment in cowpea yield and profitability. Therefore, in-combination application-based module of FYM (10 Mg ha−1) and GhanaJeewamrita (250 kg ha−1) can be recommended for enhancing productivity and profitability of cowpea cultivation under North-Western Himalayan agro-ecological conditions. This study contributes valuable insights for organic input strategies in regions facing similar challenges.

Influence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers Applications for Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum </i>L.) Production Under Irrigation in the Fogera District, Northwest Ethiopia

Small-scale tomato production under irrigation is a common practice in the Fogera area of the Amhara Region in Northwest Ethiopia. However, there were no location-specific economic optimum N and P fertilizer recommendations for tomato production in the area. Therefore, a field study was conducted in 2020 and 2021 to investigate the response of tomato to N and P fertilizer applications and determine the economic return of N and P fertilizers applications. Four levels of N (0, 46, 92, and 138 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>) and three levels of P (0, 46, and 92 kg P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> ha<sup>-1</sup>) were factorially combined and laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that tomato yield and yield-related attributes were significantly (p<0.01) affected by the main effects of N. However, the main effect of P and its interaction with N did not considerably influence the yield and yield-related parameters. The highest marketable (39.3 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) and total fruit yields (46.2 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) of tomato were recorded from the application of 138 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>. The highest net economic return of Ethiopian birr 185,538.50 with a marginal rate return of 1326.1% was recorded from the application of 138 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>. Therefore, 138 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> N can be recommended to increase the yield and economic return of tomato production in Fogera area. However, as the yield response to N followed a linear response curve, further study with higher rates of N than those considered in the present study is recommended.

Management of Rust in Wheat Using IPM Principles and Alternative Products

Overall, there is a major wish that European farmers implement integrated pest management (IPM), particularly to reduce dependence on pesticides. In the European Rustwatch project, partners conducted nineteen trials across nine different countries during 2020 and 2021 to investigate different IPM strategies, focusing on controlling rust diseases in winter wheat. The trials included the use of varieties with contrasting levels of resistance, variety mixtures, reduced fungicide rates, thresholds, and Decision Support Systems (DSSs), and testing alternative products to fungicides. Sixteen trials developed yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) infections, and six trials developed brown rust (Puccinia triticina) infections. Resistant varieties proved highly effective in keeping down yellow rust infection, and variety mixtures also effectively reduced infection levels and stabilized yields. Rust was fully controlled using 25% of standard fungicide rates, even under high disease pressure. Using DSSs provided sufficient control of rust diseases and resulted in competitive net economic returns due to fewer fungicide applications. The alternative products tested included two biological control agents and four alternative chemistries, which all gave inferior and insufficient control against rust compared with chemical fungicides. The trial work demonstrated that there are good and reliable options for including IPM into disease control in wheat.

Investigation of Response of Upland Rice (<i>Oryza sativa </i>L.) to Blended NPSB Fertilizer in Fogera and Libo Kemkem Districts of Amhara Region

A field experiment was conducted for three years to evaluate and determine economic optimum rate of NPSB blended + urea fertilizers for upland rice production in Fogera and Libokemkem districts of Amhara Region. Blended NPSB fertilizer rates of 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> were factorially combined with 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. Zero fertilizer as control treatment and recommended NP as a reference treatment were included in the study. The treatments were laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results show that, in Libokemikem district, the maximum grain yield of 4.9 t ha<sup>-1</sup> was obtained from 200 kg NPSB + 250 kg Urea ha<sup>-1</sup>, while the maximum dry biomass yield of 10.2 t ha<sup>-1</sup> was recorded from 250 kg NPSB + 250 kg Urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. In Fogera district, the maximum grain and biomass yields of 6.1 and 15 t ha<sup>-1</sup>, respectively were obtained from 250 kg NPSB + 200 kg Urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. The partial budget analysis of the pooled data indicate that at Libokemikem district, the maximum net economic return (NER) of Ethiopian birr (Birr) 48,529.70 with marginal rate of return (MRR) of 1284.9% was obtained from 200 kg NPSB + 250 kg urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. At Fogera district, the maximum NER of Birr 62,323.60 with MRR of 959.7% was obtained from 100 kg NPSB + 250 kg urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. However, it is not possible to draw conclusions that the significant yield increment recorded was due to the contribution of S and B blends in the NPSB blended fertilizer. Because, there were confounding effects of N and P nutrients in the NPSB blended fertilizer. As it is revealed in the results, the significant yield response recorded, however, was due to the increasing levels of N. Therefore, we recommend further investigation of the response of NERICA-4 (upland rice) to each nutrient (P, S and B) through nutrient omission studies.

Efficacy of using plant ingredients as partial substitute of fishmeal in formulated diet for a commercially cultured fish, Labeo rohita

Reliance on fish meal can be reduced by incorporating plant-based ingredients, making aquaculture more economical, sustainable and environmental friendly. In this study, the efficacy of plant protein ingredients (PPI) such as mustard oil cake (MOC), soybean meal (SBM) and rice bran (RB) as Partial substitute of fishmeal (FM) was investigated for a commercially important fish, Labeo rohita in cages for 90 days. Three experimental diets, labeled as Diet 1, Diet 2, and Diet 3, were formulated to be isonitrogenous (with protein content ranging from 32.20 to 32.29%) and iso-caloric (with gross energy ranging from 4.12 to 4.17 kcal/g). These diets contained different proportions of PPI (45, 68, and 79%) and FM (46, 23, and 11%, respectively). Square-shaped cages with a volume of 1m3 (1 m × 1 m × 1 m) were stocked with 40 fish/m3 each with an average initial weight of 52.97 g in triplicates. Fish were hand-fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 7 days a week at a feeding rate of 5% in the initial month and 3% for the rest of the culture period. 50% of the caged fish was sampled monthly to monitor growth performance and at the termination of the experiment, all the fish was harvested to measure production economics performance. The results indicated improved growth performance and higher feed utilization at Diet 2, yielding significantly (p < 0.05) higher fish production compared to Diet 3, while these parameters were insignificant with Diet 1. By replacing FM with PPI, the total feed cost compared to Diet 1 was reduced to 20.62 and 32.76% for Diet 2 and Diet 3, respectively. The replacement of 50% FM in Diet 2 also yielded a 15.61% higher total economic net return than the Diet 1 group. However, a higher inclusion rate of PPI in Diet 3 potentially reduced fish growth, with a consequent decline of 41.61% total economic net return compared to the Diet 1 group. In conclusion, the replacement of 50% FM in Diet 2 compared to Diet 1 returned a higher benefit–cost ratio (1.72) among the feeding groups. Therefore, this FM replacement experiment suggested a 50% FM replaced diet as an unconventional, cost-effective, and readily available novel protein source without compromising the inherent nutritional quality of fish and feed in the cage culture of L. rohita. The results could be widely applicable to the fast-growing approach of cage culture technology across Asia and beyond.

Reduced fertilization boosts soil quality and economic benefits in semiarid apple orchard: A two-year appraisal of fertigation strategy

Reduced fertilization boosts soil quality and economic benefits in semiarid apple orchard: A two-year appraisal of fertigation strategy

Influence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers on Bulb Yield and Yield-Related Attributes of Onion (Allium cepa L.) in Fogera Area, Northwest Ethiopia

Aim: Onion is one of the most important vegetable crops grown under irrigation in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. However, its productivity is affected by sub-optimal fertilization. The present research was conducted to investigate the response and economic returns of onion to N and P fertilizers application under irrigation.
 Study Design: Randomized Complete Block Design in Factorial Arrangement with three replications.
 Place and Duration of the Study: The research was conducted in 2020 and 2021 in the Fogera area of Northwest Ethiopia.
 Methodology: Four levels of N (0, 46, 92, and 138 kg N ha-1) and three levels of P (0, 46, and 92 kg P2O5 ha-1) were factorially combined and laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications.
 Results: The results showed that the yield and yield components of onion were significantly affected by the main effects of N. However, the main effects of P and its interaction with N did not significantly influence the growth and yield of onion. The highest plant height, number of leaves per plant, bulb girth and marketable bulb yield were recorded from the application of N138 statistically at par with N92. The maximum net economic return was obtained from the application of N138.
 Conclusion: Application of 138 kg N ha-1 was the economic optimum rate for maximum bulb yield of onion in the study area. Further investigation on the response of onion to P is recommended.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Carbon Footprint, and Grain Yields of Rice-Based Cropping Systems in Eastern China

A multiple cropping system is beneficial for utilizing natural resources, while increasing the grain production and economic outputs. However, its impact on greenhouse gas emissions is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of rice-based cropping systems on methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, the carbon footprint (CF), grain yields, and net economic returns in eastern China. Four treatments were applied: rice–fallow (as a control), rice–milk vetch, rice–wheat, and rice–rapeseed. Methane and N2O emissions were measured every 7 days via static chamber and gas chromatography methods from the 2019 rice season to the 2021 non-rice season. The CF was calculated based on the life cycle assessment. The results showed that multiple cropping systems significantly increased the annual grain yield by 1.2–6.4 t ha−1 and the annual CH4 and N2O emissions by 38–101 kg CH4-C ha−1 and 0.58–1.06 kg N2O-N ha−1, respectively. The average annual net returns for rice–wheat and rice–rapeseed were 131–150% greater than those for rice–milk vetch and rice–fallow. The annual CFs increased in the following order: rice–wheat (19.2 t CO2-eq ha−1) > rice–rapeseed (16.6 t CO2-eq ha−1) > rice–milk vetch (13.9 t CO2-eq ha−1) > rice–fallow (11.5 t CO2-eq ha−1). The CH4 emissions contributed to the largest share of the CF (60.4–68.8%), followed by agricultural inputs (27.2–33.7%) and N2O emissions (2.9–5.9%). Moreover, nitrogen fertilizer accounted for 65.6–72.4% of the indirect greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural inputs. No significant difference in the CF per unit grain yield was observed between the four rice-based cropping systems. The CF per net return of rice–wheat and rice–rapeseed significantly decreased by 37–50% relative to that of rice–fallow and rice–milk vetch. These findings suggest the potential to optimize rice-based cropping systems for environmental sustainability and grain security.

English

Pearl millet can be cultivated in a wide range of soil types under tropical and sub-tropical warm climates. The lack of improved cultivars and non-judicious use of phosphatic fertilizers are among the major reasons for low productivity of pearl millet. The farmers usually apply nitrogen (N); however, do not apply phosphorus (P) fertilizer to pearl millet grown as fodder, which significantly reduces fodder yield. It is assumed that P application can improve fodder yield of pearl millet. Therefore, this two-year (2020 and 2021) field study tested different pearl millet genotypes (i.e., ‘MP-24’, ‘YBS-70’, ‘YBS-86’, ‘YBS-93’, ‘YBS-95’, ‘YBS-98’, ‘18-BY’, ‘14-RS-05’, ‘55-S-85’, and ‘16-RBS-10’) for their fodder production with P fertilization (90 kg ha-1) and no P application (control). Phosphorus application significantly improved growth, fodder yield (24%), P uptake and P use efficiency (PUE) of all tested genotypes with significant differences among genotypes. The genotype ‘YBS-70’ produced the highest fodder yield with P application due to notable expansion in entire growth-related traits along with higher P uptake, P use efficiency (PUE), and net economic returns. The P application to genotype ‘YBS-70’ improved net economic returns (130% and 151% during 2020 and 2021, respectively) and benefit:cost ratio (59% and 61% during 2020 and 2021, respectively) during both years. It is concluded that fodder yield, PUE and profitability of millet may be improved by P application coupled with a suitable genotype. It is recommended that genotype ‘YBS-70’ can be grown with 90 kg ha-1 P application for higher fodder yield. Nevertheless, different P levels must be tested for concrete recommendations for different soil types in various agroecological zones of Pakistan.

Combined zinc and urea application enhances productivity and profitability of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

The present study investigated the effect of sole as well as combined foliar application of zinc (Zn) and urea at flowering and pod formation stages and soil application of Zn on symbiotic parameters, growth, yield, and economics of lentil. Field experiments were conducted at two locations (Ludhiana and Faridkot, northern India) during the winter season of 2018–19 and 2019–20 in randomized complete block design. The experiment comprised of 11 treatments [control (no soil/foliar application of ZnSO4 and no urea foliar application), soil Zn (25 kg ZnSO4 ha−1), foliar application of sole Zn (0.5% ZnSO4) or urea (2%) and combined Zn + urea at flowering, pod formation, or flowering + pod formation stages] and three replications. Zn and urea fertilization significantly improved the grain yield and related traits and economics in both the years of study at both the locations. The treatment of combined foliar application of Zn + urea at flowering + pod formation stages recorded the highest symbiotic parameters, chlorophyll content, growth and yield attributes, grain yield (29.5% higher than control), gross returns (29.5% higher), net economic returns (56.2% higher), and benefit cost ratio. The combined foliar application of Zn + urea can be done to improve growth, productivity, and economics of lentil and, therefore, it can help in upliftment of economic status of farmers.

Effect of Herbicide on Root Nodules, Phytotoxicity and Economics of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The field experiment was done during Rabi season of 2011-12 at Agronomy Research Farm of NDUA&T, Kumarganj, Faizabad, UP. The fresh biomass and dry biomass nodules plant-1 (mg), branches numbers and grain yield significantly supreme was noted in weed free plot. Fresh and dry biomass, branches number was obtained statically at par with treatments pendimethalin 1000 g ha-1 PE, or fb quizalofop 60 g ha-1 PoE or clodinafop 60 g ha-1 PoE at 45 and 60 DAS, 60 DAS and at 90 DAS. The minimum Fresh and dry biomass, branches number was noted with rest all the treatments. Whereas drastic toxicity was detected tracked by oxyfluorfen 200 g + fb clodinafop 60 g ha-1 PoE and pendimethalin 1000 g PE fb imazethapyr 75 g + quizalofop 60 g ha-1 PoE, separately. The greatest drop in grain yield of chickpea were noted in PE application of pendimethalin 750 g tracked by mutual PoE application of quizalofop-ethyl 60 g + oxyfluorfen 200 g ha-1 at 35 DAS. The utmost net economic returns and B-C ratio were noted in PE application of pendimethalin 1000 g and PoE application of clodinafop 60 g ha-1 and PE application of pendimethalin1000 g and PoE application of quizalofop-ethyl 60 g ha-1 at 35 DAS and the net monetary returns and B-C ratio were in negative with application of pendimethalin 750 g PE followed by mutual PoE application of quizalofop-ethyl 60 g + oxyfluorfen 200 g ha-1at 35 DAS and PoE application of oxyfluorfen200 g + quizalofop-ethyl 60 g ha-1 PoE.

Optimizing Cotton-Wheat System Productivity Through Resource Conserving Techniques

ABSTRACT Cotton-wheat cropping system contributes significantly to Pakistan’s food security and economy. However, the system productivity is low because of soil degrading tillage, irrational use of irrigation, and potassium which delay cotton maturity and affect succeeding wheat crop. Conservation tillage (MT) with appropriate irrigation and potassium may improve the system’s productivity and stability. Experiments were conducted at Gomal University, Pakistan. Treatments included tillage (conventional (CT) and conservation tillage (MT)) and three irrigation intervals viz. 5, 4, and 3 weeks for cotton in first year, while in second year tillage was same and best irrigation interval observed in first year was kept constant. In second year besides tillage, potassium (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg K ha−1) was included in cotton. For succeeding wheat, treatments were tillage (MT & CT) and six irrigations applied at crown root initiation, tillering, jointing, booting, 50% spike emergence, milk and dough stage. Results revealed that MT was better than CT regarding yield and net economic return. Five-week irrigation interval increased yield, improved fiber quality, and caused earlier cotton maturity. 150 kg K ha−1 produced higher net return and benefit–cost ratio (BCR) for cotton under MT than CT. Wheat grown with MT produced higher yield, net return, and BCR when irrigated 4 times at jointing, booting, 50% spike emergence, milk and dough stage. MT accumulated more soil organic matter and total soil N than CT. The results suggest that MT with appropriate irrigation and potassium can improve cotton-wheat system productivity and economics besides conservation of resources.

Rotational strip peanut/cotton intercropping improves agricultural production through modulating plant growth, root exudates, and soil microbial communities

Rotational strip peanut/cotton intercropping improves agricultural production through modulating plant growth, root exudates, and soil microbial communities

Impact of various irrigation levels and nitrogen rates on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and nitrate leaching

Impact of various irrigation levels and nitrogen rates on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and nitrate leaching

Comparison of System of Rice Intensification Applications and Alternatives in India: Agronomic, Economic, Environmental, Energy, and Other Effects

Initial evaluations of the System of Rice Intensification in India and elsewhere focused mainly on its impacts on yield and income, and usually covered just one or two seasons. Researchers at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research have conducted a more comprehensive evaluation of SRI methods over six years (six wet and six dry seasons), comparing them with three alternatives: modified, partially mechanized SRI (MSRI) to reduce labor requirements; direct-seeded rice (DSR) as an alternative method for growing rice; and conventional transplanting of rice with flooding of fields (CTF). Grain yield with SRI methods was found to be about 50% higher than with CTF (6.35 t ha−1 vs. 4.27 t ha−1), while the MSRI yield was essentially the same (6.34 t ha−1), 16% more than with DSR (5.45 t ha−1). Water productivity with SRI methods was 5.32–6.85 kg ha-mm−1, followed by 4.14–5.72 kg ha-mm−1 for MSRI, 5.06–5.11 kg ha-mm−1 for DSR, and 3.52–4.56 kg ha-mm−1 for CTF. In comparison with CTF, SRI methods significantly enhanced soil microbial populations over time: bacteria by 12%, fungi by 8%, and actinomycetes by 20%. Biological activity in the rhizosphere was also higher as indicated by 8.5% greater dehydrogenase and 16% more FDA enzymes in soil under SRI management. Similarly, an indicator of soil organic matter, glucosidase activity, was 78% higher compared to CTF. SRI enhanced the relative abundance of beneficial microbial-feeding nematodes by 7.5% compared to CTF, while that of plant-pathogenic nematodes was 7.5% lower under SRI. Relative to conventional methods, SRI management reduced GHG emissions by 21%, while DSR reduced them by 23%, and MSRI by 13%, compared to standard rice-growing practice. Economic analysis showed both gross and net economic returns to be higher with SRI than with the other management systems evaluated. While the six-year study documented many advantages of SRI crop management, it also showed that MSRI is a promising adaptation that provides similar benefits but with lower labor requirements.