Rice Lentil Research Articles

Assessment of Economic Sustainability of Cropping Systems in the Salt–Affected Coastal Zone of West Bengal, India

Identifying productive, profitable, and less risky cropping systems is pivotal for ensuring sustainable farm–based livelihoods in the context of climatic uncertainties and market volatility, particularly in many developing nations. Conventional field crop research often identifies the best or optimal solutions based on treatment replicates at a specific point in time without considering the influence of market volatility and climatic uncertainties. To address this gap, we conducted an assessment of productivity profitability and climate– and market–uncertainty-driven risk for eleven different rice-based cropping systems (eight existing and three potential systems) in the coastal region of Gosaba Block, West Bengal, India. Farmers’ observations of the best, typical, and worst seasonal yields and price data for the selected cropping systems over the last five to seven years were collected from fifty farm households. Irrespective of the scenarios, the rice–lathyrus systems, followed by rice–onion and rice–lentil systems, recorded the lowest rice equivalent yields and system yields. However, the highest rice equivalent yields and system yields were recorded for rice–chilli systems, followed by rice–tomato and rice–potato–green-gram systems. Per hectare, total paid–out cost (TPC) of rice–tomato systems was higher, followed by rice–chilli, rice–potato–green–gram, and rice–potato systems. However, irrespective of seasonal conditions (best, normal, and worst), rice–chilli systems gave a higher net return followed by rice–tomato and rice–potato–green–gram systems. The rice–fallow system recorded the lowest value for both parameters. Under the worst seasonal conditions, the rice–onion system gave a negative net return. Under all the scenarios, the rice–chilli system gave the highest benefit over cost, followed by the rice–tomato, rice–potato–green-gram, and rice–potato systems. The cumulative probability distribution (CDF) of per ha net income of the rice–tomato system showed first–degree stochastic dominance over other systems, implying that the system is economically the most profitable and less risky. Additionally, the CDF of net income per ha of the rice–chilli system showed second–degree stochastic dominance over the rest of the systems, indicating that the system is economically more profitable and less risky than other rice/non–rice cropping systems except for the rice–tomato system. Furthermore, the risk analysis results suggest that the likelihood of obtaining negative net income was nil for the selected cropping systems, except the rice–onion system had a slight chance (<1%) of providing a negative net return. Considering the productivity and economic viability (e.g., profitability and risk) of different rice–based systems, it is recommended to promote the adoption of the rice–vegetable systems, especially rice–tomato and rice–chilli from among the existing systems and rice–potato–green-gram systems from among the potential systems, for achieving sustainable intensification in these coastal saline tracts of the region.

Diversified and Long-term Cropping Systems Alters the System Sustainability and Energy Use Efficiency in Soils of Indo-Gangetic Plains

The cereal-based intensive cropping practices have posed the yield at a plateau and reduced the energy use efficiency (EUE) of the cropping systems in the Indo-genetic plains (IGPs). The long-term cropping systems experimentations with 4 diversified legumes and cereal cropping systems and a grassland fallow system were studied for >10 years representing different agro-ecological regions at the agricultural research farm, IAS, BHU-Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh of IGPs to assess their impacts on system productivity and energy use efficiency. Out of 4 cropping systems viz, Pigeon pea-Pigeon pea (PP-PP) and Rice-Maize (R-M) systems were managed as conventional cultivation running under the breeding project, however; Dryland Rice-Lentil (R-L) and Zero-till Rice-Wheat (R-W) systems were running under agronomy project. The grassland fallow system was maintained in the agronomy block. The maximum system productivity was seen in the zero till rice-wheat (8185 kg ha-1) system and the lowestpigeon peanpea- pigeonpea system (1615 kg ha-1). However, the maximum EUE was found in pigeonpea system (13.23 MJ ha-1) and the lowest in the zero till rice-wheat system (8.88 MJ ha-1). The study suggests that the inclusion of legumes in the cropping system is vital in enhancing the system productivity and energy use efficiency than the long-term cereal-based system in long-run to the alluvial soils of IGPs.

‘BARI Masur‐9’: An extra‐early lentil cultivar for a rice‐based cropping system in Bangladesh

AbstractLentil (Lens culinaris Medik) is the third‐most important grain legume in the world. In Bangladesh, it is important for human food and nutrition, animal feed, and sustainable rice‐based cropping systems. However, lentil area is declining due to competition with other winter and spring crops, particularly irrigated spring rice (boro rice; Oryza sativa L.). To increase lentil production, the extra‐early (<95 d) lentil line LRIL‐22‐70 was selected to grow in the short fallow period between monsoon and spring rice under a proposed new cropping pattern. LRIL‐22‐70 was identified from a recombinant inbred line population through rigorously evaluated in diverse agro‐ecological conditions of Bangladesh and released for commercial cultivation by Pulses Research Centre, BARI, as ‘BARI Masur‐9’ (Reg. no. CV‐36, PI 700307) in 2018. BARI Masur‐9 is a transgressive segregant for earliness (matures in <93 d) and fits well in the new monsoon rice–lentil–spring rice cropping pattern. It is a medium‐seeded (2.38 g 100–1 seed) cultivar with high tolerance to Stemphylium blight. The average seed yield of BARI Masur‐9 was 1,201 kg ha–1, with higher concentrations of Fe (73 mg kg−1) and Zn (61 mg kg−1) compared with other genotypes; thus, BARI Masur‐9 contributes to combatting micronutrient malnutrition in Bangladesh. BARI Masur‐9, the first extra‐early lentil cultivar, can successfully be grown to replace fallow between rice as a new cropping pattern monsoon rice–lentil (BARI Masur‐9)–spring rice in about 8 million ha in Bangladesh, eastern Indian states, and eastern Nepal.

Managing rice fallow lands of the Eastern Indian Himalayas: Impacts of residue management and varietal interventions on soil properties, carbon stocks, and productivity

AbstractDegenerating soil properties, low diversification, and productivity are the major issues for keeping large areas as fallow after rainy season rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Southeast Asia. Long‐duration rice cultivars along with conventional till farming and lack of irrigation facilities limit the chances of growing succeeding crops like pulses in rice fallow areas. Therefore, a field study was conducted to test the hypothesis that cultivating short‐duration rice and lentil (Lens culinaris Medic.) cultivars along with residue retention through mulching or standing rice stubble under no‐till (NT) farming for lentil can enhance the productivity in rice fallow areas and improve economic returns from the cropping system by conserving soil moisture and improving soil properties and carbon stocks. Two rice cultivars (namely, Shahsarang‐1: high yielding and medium duration; and Mendri: local, low yielding, and long‐duration variety), two high biomass lentil varieties (DPL‐81: early duration and IPL‐406: medium duration), and three rice residue management practices (namely, residue removal, 20 cm standing stubble, and mulching at 5 Mg ha−1 in lentil) were tested in the rice–lentil system. After harvest of rainy season rice, lentil was sown under NT using a manually operated furrow opener. Results of a 3‐year study revealed that rice residue retention as mulch at 5 Mg ha−1 and 20 cm standing stubbles (~2 Mg ha−1) conserved residual soil moisture and recorded significantly lower bulk density (1.10 and 1.09 Mg m−3), increased water‐holding capacity (57.05% and 55.14%), and improved water infiltration rate (3.47 and 3.30 cm hr−1) compared to residue removal. Soil organic carbon (SOC), soil microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase enzyme activity, available nitrogen, and phosphorus contents at 0–15 cm soil depth were significantly higher by 7.2%–11.1%, 3.9%–6.8%, 4.1%–6.7%, 2.7%–6.4%, and 2.7%–8.0%, respectively, under standing rice stubbles/mulching than residue removal. The SOC stock (25.3 Mg ha‐1) under mulching was significantly higher than that recorded under residue removal at 0–15 cm (23.4 Mg ha−1) and remained non‐significant at 15–30 cm depth. A significantly higher mean seed yield of lentil was obtained under mulching (1.68 Mg ha−1) and standing stubbles (1.49 Mg ha−1) than that under removal (1.27 Mg ha−1). Average productivity of lentil (1.53 Mg ha−1) after medium‐duration rice variety Shahsarang‐1 was greater than that grown after local long‐duration rice variety Mendri (1.43 Mg ha−1). The mean seed yield of early lentil variety DPL‐81 grown after medium‐duration rice was significantly higher (1.60 Mg ha−1) than medium‐duration lentil variety IPL‐406 (1.36 Mg ha−1). Thus, cultivating medium‐duration rice (Shahsarang‐1) followed by early‐duration lentil variety (DPL‐81) and rice residue retention either through mulching or standing rice stubble is recommended for improving soil properties, carbon stock, and productivity of lentil in rice fallow areas of the Eastern Himalayan region of India and other similar agro‐ecosystems.

Exploring the best tillage option in rice based diversified cropping systems in alluvial soil of eastern India

Continuous rice–wheat cropping system with intensive conventional tillage operations have been showing natural resource degradation. Hence, the sustainability of this major cropping system in eastern India is under a threat. Adoption of resource conservation such as conservation tillage practice with residue retention on the soil and diversification of the rice–wheat cropping system with the inclusion of pulses, oilseeds may lead towards achieving overall sustainability of the system. Attempts were made to evaluate the different tillage practices viz. zero tillage (ZT), reduced tillage (RT) and conventional tillage (CT) under rice based various cropping systems viz. rice–wheat–greengram, rice–Lathyrus–greengram, rice–lentil–greengram and rice–rapeseed–greengram in terms of system productivity, nutrient uptake by the system, recovery efficiency (RE) of added nutrients, soil microbial population and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission in alluvial soil of eastern India. Results revealed significant increase in system productivity, nutrient uptake and RE of N, P and K in RT. The maximum microbial population was found in ZT. Cereal dominated cropping system (rice–wheat–greengram) showed higher productivity and nutrient uptake, however, the recovery efficiency of nutrient and microbial population was recorded higher in legume dominated cropping systems (rice–lentil–greengram or rice–Lathyrus–greengram). The maximum N2O emission was recorded in ZT, which was almost 3–6% higher than that of RT and CT, respectively. Overall, reduced tillage was found to be the most suitable tillage option under rice based diversified cropping systems.

Supplementation with Fortified Lipid-Based and Blended Complementary Foods has Variable Impact on Body Composition Among Rural Bangladeshi Children: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACTBackgroundComplementary food supplementation enhances linear growth and may affect body composition in children.ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the effect of complementary food supplements provided from the age of 6 to 18 mo on fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) gain among children in rural Bangladesh.MethodsIn an unblinded, cluster-randomized, controlled trial we tested the effects of 4 complementary food supplements for 1 y [chickpea, rice lentil, Plumpy'doz, and wheat-soy-blend++ (WSB++)] compared with no supplements on linear growth. Body composition was estimated using weight-length-based, age- and sex-specific equations at 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 mo and postintervention aged 24 mo. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were applied to estimate the effect of each complementary food on mean FFM and FM from 9 to 18 and 24 mo compared with the control, adjusting for baseline measures. Sex interactions were also explored.ResultsIn total, 3592 (65.9% of enrolled) children completed all anthropometric assessments. Estimated FFM and FM (mean ± SD) were 5.3 ± 0.6 kg and 1.4 ± 0.4 kg, respectively, at the age of 6 mo. Mean ± SE FFM and FM from 9 to 18 mo were 75.4 ± 14.0 g and 32.9 ± 7.1 g, and 61.0 ± 16.6 g and 30.0 ± 8.4 g, higher with Plumpy'doz and chickpea foods, respectively, than the control (P < 0.001). Estimated FFM was 41.5 ± 16.6 g higher in rice-lentil-fed versus control (P < 0.05) children. WSB++ had no impact on FFM or FM. A group-sex interaction (P < 0.1) was apparent with Plumpy'doz and rice-lentil foods, with girls involved in the intervention having higher estimated FFM and FM than control girls compared with no significant effect in boys. At 24 mo, FFM and FM remained higher only in girls eating Plumpy'doz compared with the controls (P < 0.01).ConclusionsIn this randomized trial, supplementation effected small shifts in apparent body composition in rural Bangladeshi children. Where seen, FFM increments were twice that of FM, in proportion to these compartments, and more pronounced in girls. FFM increased in line with reported improvements in length. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01562379.

Effect of conservation tillage and rice-based cropping systems on soil aggregation characteristics and carbon dynamics in Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plain

Traditional rice–wheat cropping system, which follows wet puddling in rice and conventional tillage in wheat, is deteriorating soil health resulting yield stagnation in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of South Asia. Conservation agriculture which endorses minimum soil disturbance, residue retention and crop diversification not only improves soil health but also reduces the CO2 concentration in atmosphere. We hypothesized that adoption of conservation agriculture could improve the soil health and soil organic carbon in comparison with conventional practices. A field experiment was conducted during 2012–2015 to observe the effects of different tillage practices and cropping systems on soil aggregation and carbon dynamics. The experiment comprised of three cropping systems, viz. rice–wheat, RW; rice–maize, RM; rice–lentil, RL, practiced in three tillage practices, viz. conventional tillage, CT; reduced tillage, RT; reduced tillage with 30% residue, RT30 in factorial randomized block design. Adoption of RT and RT30 resulted in higher macroaggregate content of 51.7 and 61.2%, respectively, in comparison with CT. Total water stable aggregates and mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates were considerably higher in RT and RT30 treatments, and the effect was most pronounced in the upper 0–15 cm soil layer. The rice–maize cropping system registered the highest macroaggregate content, water stable aggregates (WSA) and MWD of 55.6%, 80.0% and 2.28 mm, respectively, in the upper surface soil. The rice–maize cropping systems under RT30 recorded the highest total soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (51.0 Mg ha−1) in comparison with other systems after 3 years of experimentation. Reduced tillage and residue management resulted in positive changes in soil infiltration rate. The effect of tillage operations and cropping systems on different soil properties (aggregate distribution, WSA, MWD and geometric mean diameter of aggregates, SOC stock, Bulk density) was mostly limited to surface layer of soil.

Energy budgeting for designing sustainable and environmentally clean/safer cropping systems for rainfed rice fallow lands in India

Efficient utilization of rice (Oryza sativa L.) fallow (∼11.6 million hectares) systems can accelerate the growth of Indian agriculture. But, bringing more area under cultivation is an energy-demanding process and a source of gaseous emissions in the era of climate change. Hence, development of environmentally sustainable cropping systems require for efficient use of rice-fallow lands for sustainable productivity. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the objective to identify sustainable and environmentally safer cropping systems with low global worming potential (GWP) and low energy requirement for rice fallow land of India. Seven diverse crops (e.g., toria (Brassica campestris var. toria), lentil (Lens culinaris), field pea (Pisum arvense), garden pea (Pisum sativum L.), green gram (Vigna radiata), black gram (Vigna mungo) and maize (Zea mays)) were introduced in rice-fallow system by adopting no-till (NT) production technology to develop sustainable and environmentally cleaner production systems in a subtropical climate of Tripura, India. All these rice-based cropping systems were evaluated on the basis of the energy requirements and system productivity. Results indicated that rice had the highest energy input followed by that for maize and the least for lentil. System productivity regarding equivalent rice yield was the highest in rice–garden pea system. The relative amount of energy input in all cropping systems involved 44–54% for chemical fertilizers, 13–17% for land preparation, 12–15% for diesel and 11–14% for labor. Total energy input of 28,656 MJ per hectare (MJ/ha) was the highest for rice–maize and the lowest of 22,486 MJ/ha for rice–lentil systems. The highest system productivity and the highest energy productivity were obtained for the rice–garden pea system. The GWP was lower for legume-based than that for cereal and oilseed-based cropping systems. The lowest GWP of 7.97 Mg CO2e/ha per yr was observed for the rice-lentil cropping system and the highest GWP of 8.39 Mg CO2e/ha per yr for the rice-maize cropping system. The rice-vegetable pea and rice-lentil cropping systems also had low greenhouse gas emission intensity. The rice–pea and rice–lentil cropping systems are recommended for the region because of their low energy requirement, high energy and system productivity and low GWP. These systems are suited for the efficient utilization of rice fallow lands of eastern India to sustain productivity while adapting and mitigating the climate change.

Potential of Crop Residue and Fertilizer on Enrichment of Carbon Pools in Upland Soils of Subtropical India

In the investigation, the effect of variable crop residues and inorganic fertilizers on soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and its management indices was assessed in upland rice–lentil system. Treatments comprised of 4 levels of residue incorporation [residue removal, only rice residue (R), only lentil residue (L) and both rice + lentil (RL) residue] and 3 levels of fertilizer rate in lentil crop (0, 50, 100 % of RDF) fitted in split-plot design. After 7 years of continuous cropping, residue incorporation significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased the very labile (Cfrac1), labile (Cfrac2) and less labile (Cfrac3) fractions of the total organic carbon (TOC) over residue removal, and the quantitative increase in C-fractions with residue incorporation followed the order Cfrac2 > Cfrac3 > Cfrac1 > Cfrac4. However, the enrichment in different C-fractions and TOC was almost similar to the incorporation of either rice (R) or lentil (L) residue. Likewise, incorporation of both crop residues (RL) marginally increased in TOC and its fractions over single crop residue (R or L), but failed to bring significant changes, which indicates lower C-stabilization rate of additional crop residues. Substantial depletion in all the C-fractions was observed with zero fertilization in rabi season lentil crop and greatly restricted the buildup of Cfrac1. The quality indicators like lability index and carbon management index were improved with residue incorporation and effect restricted to surface depth (0–0.20 m) only. Thus, the findings suggest incorporation of minimum one crop residue, and optimal recommended fertilization in rabi crop would be helpful in economically managing the SOC in rice–lentil rotation of subtropical India.

Comparative Evaluation of Wheat-roti or Rice-lentil Mixture as Supplements for Growing Asiatic Elephants (Elephas maximus)

The feeding of supplements that supply all nutrients in optimum amounts to support normal growth is of paramount importance when feeding growing elephants in captivity. This experiment evaluated wheat roti (WR) and a rice–lentil mixture (RLM) as supplements for growing semi-captive Asian elephants. Six sub-adult (7–12 years; 1327–3288 kg) elephants were split into two groups of three each. The study period was divided into two, and each group received both supplements in a switch-over design. Elephants in treatment I and II received concentrate supplements consisting of WR and RLM respectively. They were allowed to forage in the nearby forests from 0530 to 1730. Cut grasses (narkul, Arundo donox ) were offered ad lib (20% excess of previous day’s intake) to each animal from 1730 to 0530 when they were in their enclosures. As animals were in enclosures during the night, faeces of each individual elephant could be collected separately, and elephants had no access to one another’s feeds. Faeces voided during foraging were collected in full, representative samples of forages consumed were taken and intake during foraging was measured indirectly using lignin as a marker. Intake of cut grasses and forages were similar between the treatments. Apparent digestibility of CP was higher (P<0.05) in treatment II. Apparent digestibility of other nutrients was comparable in both the treatments. Intake of zinc was higher in treatment II. Intake, excretion and absorption of Ca, Co, and Cu did not differ between the treatments. Absorption of P and Fe was higher (P<0.05) in treatment II. Blood metabolites, serum enzymes activities and concentration of serum minerals were similar among the treatments. The relative population of total bacteria was numerically increased in treatment II. The results of this experiment demonstrate that RLM may be better supplement for growing elephants than WR.

Magnesium balance in four permanent manurial experiments under rainfed agro-ecosystems of India

Magnesium (Mg) plays a vital role in photosynthesis, dry matter production and carbon partitioning in sink organs. Hence, four permanent manurial experiments (20–27 years of duration) under the auspices of All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture (AICRPDA) network centres across diverse agro-ecological regions were carried out to examine the soil exchangeable Mg (ex-Mg), crop uptake and overall Mg balance. Groundnut (peanut), finger millet, rice–lentil sequence and post rainy sorghum were the major crops or cropping systems followed in four permanent manure experiments at Anantapuram, Bengaluru, Varanasi and Solapur, respectively. Nutrient management in all experiments involved control (no addition of nutrients), 100% organic, 100% chemical, and integration of organic and chemical. Except in the finger millet-based system, mean ex-Mg status in the entire profile was higher than the sufficiency level (1.0 cmol(+) kg–1 as a critical limit). Status of ex-Mg (cmol(+) kg–1 soil) in soil profiles was in the order: Solapur (3.80) &gt; Varanasi (2.07) &gt; Anantapuram (1.06) &gt; Bengaluru (0.44). A uniform distribution of ex-Mg was observed in plots that received integrated application of organic and chemical fertilisers. In general, improved status of profile ex-Mg (cmol(+) kg–1) over the control was observed in soils under groundnut (0.19–0.78), finger millet (1.90–3.20), and post rainy sorghum (6.50–7.60, except 4.20 in 100% NPK) cropping. Overall, ex-Mg status and balance of different soil types under diverse crop production systems was influenced by several factors, some of which include soil type with varying mineralogy, particle size distribution, nutrient management strategies and rainfall. Significant positive relationships were observed between ex-Mg status and clay content (R2 = 0.94), soil pH (R2 = 0.92), cation exchange capacity (R2 = 0.98) and mean air temperature (R2 = 0.22), whereas a weak relationship was observed with rainfall (R2 = 0.01). The study gives an account of Mg balance in major Indian soil types and recommends further attention on Mg nutrition in current intensive agriculture.

Long‐Term Effects of Soil Fertility Management on Carbon Sequestration in a Rice–Lentil Cropping System of the Indo‐Gangetic Plains

Enrichment of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks through sequestration of atmospheric CO2 in agricultural soils is important because of its impacts on soil quality, agronomic production, and adaptation to and mitigation of climate change. In a 21‐yr field experiment conducted under subhumid tropical conditions in India, the impacts of crop residue C inputs were assessed for the rice (Oryza sativa L.)–lentil (Lens esculenta Moench) cropping sequence. These impacts were evaluated in an experiment involving mineral fertilizers and manuring treatments on crop yield sustainability with reference to critical biomass requirements for maintenance of SOC in an Inceptisol. Application of farmyard manure (FYM) without and with mineral fertilizers increased C input and SOC concentration and stock. In comparison with the control, the 100% organic (FYM) treatment had significantly higher profile SOC (27.5 Mg ha−1), and more C build up (55.0%) and C sequestration (6.6 Mg C ha−1) to 1‐m depth vis‐à‐vis the antecedent values in 1986. These parameters were also higher in 100% FYM treatment at a rate providing equivalent amount of the recommended dose of N followed by conjunctive use of FYM and mineral fertilizers. The SOC stock and rate of sequestration were positively correlated with cumulative C input, and with sustainable yield index (SYI) of upland rice and lentil. Higher grain yield (1.95 and 1.04 Mg ha−1 of rice and lentil, respectively) was obtained with the application of 50% organic (FYM)+50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). In comparison, higher SOC sequestration rate was measured with the application of 100% organic (FYM). For every Mg increase in SOC stock in the root zone there was 0.16 and 0.18 Mg ha−1yr−1 yield increase of rice and lentil, respectively. For maintaining a stable SOC level (zero change due to cropping), a minimum quantity of 2.47 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 is required for this soil, climate, cropping system, and fertilization treatments. To achieve this quantity of C, 7.1 Mg of biomass is required to be produced every year vs. average rice and lentil yields of 1.6 and 0.7 Mg ha−1, respectively. The sole application of mineral fertilizers at 50 or 100% of the RDF did not maintain the SOC stock. Thus, application of FYM (or other organics) in conjunction with mineral fertilizers is essential to maintaining and enhancing the SOC stock in the rice‐based cropping systems.

Recent Advances and Evidence Gaps in Persistent Diarrhea

Recent Advances and Evidence Gaps in Persistent Diarrhea

The effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil physical condition and the productivity of a rice–lentil cropping sequence in India

A field experiment lasting 9 years was initiated in 1987 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management involving incorporation of wheat straw (WS) or farmyard manure (FYM) alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizer on a fine loamy mixed hyperthermic udic Ustochrept. Soil physical properties and the productivity of a rice–lentil cropping sequence were examined in a dry land farming system.At the end of the ninth cropping season, addition of organic materials had increased organic carbon, aggregate stability, moisture retention capacity and infiltration rate of the surface soil while reducing the bulk density. Application of inorganic fertilizer alone decreased the stability of macro aggregates and moisture retention capacity but increased the bulk density values. Treatment effects on moisture retentivity were more pronounced in the higher (0·3–1·5 MPa) suction range. During the first six experimental years, sole application of inorganic fertilizers produced 10–17% higher grain yield of rice, compared to sole application of organic sources or combined organic and inorganic sources. Annual applications of wheat straw and farmyard manure gave higher grain yields of rice from the seventh year onwards. Grain yields of lentil were higher with organic sources either alone or combined with inorganic nutrients.

Energetics, yield, water use and economics of rice (Oryza sativa) based cropping system in flood prone situation of eastern Uttar Pradesh

Received : January 2001 A field experiment was conducted during 1996 99 at Ghaghraghat, Bahraich, to study the energy requirement, yield, water use and economics of 7 rice (Oryza sativa L.) based cropping systems in flood prone areas. Rice lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) maize (Zea mays L.) fodder cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] system gave significantly highest rice equivalent yield (95.82 qlha), water use efficiency (83.83 kg graintha cm), net profit (Rs 30,2491 , ha), benefit : cost ratio (3.35) and production efficiency (Rs 75.02ldaylha) compared with rest of cropping sequences. Rice wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori Paol.) maize cowpea (F) sequence ranked second with regards to net profit, rice equivalent, water use efficiency and production efficiency. Rice pea (Pisum sativum L., s.1) maize cowpea (F) system gave the highest energy input (38.02 MJ x 1O31ha) while the highest energy output (907.75 MJ x 103/ha) and energy use efficiency (29.52) were obtained in rice Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. Cossonl maize cowpea (F) sequence. Land utilization efficiency was the maximum (91.78%) in rice linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) maize cowpea (F), followed by rice lentil maize cowpea (F) system (90.41%).