Maize (Zea mays)-based cropping system on raised beds influenced the productivity, soil quality and profitability in North-East India

A.S. PANWAR; SUBHASH BABU; NOOPUR KOHIMA; SANJEEV KUMAR

doi:10.59797/ija.v66i3.2858

Authors

A.S. PANWAR
SUBHASH BABU
NOOPUR KOHIMA
SANJEEV KUMAR

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59797/ija.v66i3.2858

Keywords:

Intensification, Production efficiency, Profitability, Soil fertility, Sustainability.

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted for 4 years (201317) at Umiam, Meghalaya, India, to study the performance of different maize- based cropping sequences on permanent raised beds in valley lowland under a mid-hill altitude of North-East India. The treatment consisted of 9 maize-based cropping sequences (maizegreengram [Vigna ra- diata (L.) R. Wilczek], maizerice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb) ohwi & ohashi], maizerajmash [Phaseolus vul- garis L.], maizepea [Pisum sativum L.], maizegroundnut [Arachis hypogaea L.], maizelentil [Lens culinaris Medik], maizelinseed [Linum usitatissimum L.], maizemustard [Brassica juncea L.], and maizetoria [Brassica compestris var. toria L.), on raised beds with legume and non-legume crops. The inclusion of legume crops in the cropping sequence significantly enhanced the system productivity as compared to non-legume crops. Amongst the various crop combinations, maizepea gave the highest production efficiency (65.93 kg/ha/day), followed by maizerajmash (65.70 kg/ha/day), the lowest being with maizetoria (34.22 kg/ha/day). Land-use efficiency was higher with maizepea and maize lentil systems. The highest cost of cultivation was recorded in maizerice bean and maizerajmash, but the maximum net returns were realized from maizepea (`56,964/ha) and maizerajmash (`42,118/ha) sequences. The sustainable yield index (SYI) and sustainable value index as well as a benefit: cost ratio was also higher with maizepea and maizerajmash cropping sequences. Maizemustard registered the highest nutrient uptake but the residual fertility status was more with maizepea cropping system. The soil quality improved due to the inclusion of legumes as compared to non-leguminous crops in maize-based cropping se- quence. The surfaceplot analysis portrayed the positive relationship between soil quality parameters like SOC (r = 0.10), available N (r = 0.27), available phosphorus (r = 0.22) and available potassium (r = 0.22) with SYI.

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