Productivity potential of rice (Oryza sativa) - based cropping - sequences under temperate environment

Abstract

An experiment was conducted on silty clay-loam soils during rainy and winter seasons from 1992 to 3 995 to detprmine the impact of rice (Olyza sativa L.) - based cropping sequence on productiviv, profitability, energy and sustainability under tem- perate environment. Mean rice grain yield of 51.2 and 56.9 qlha obtained when rice was sequenced with oat (Avena sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) respectively increased to 62.8, 63.6, 64.8 and 67.4 qlha by following lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus), fallow, berseem [Cymopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taubert] and rapeseed respectively. However, highest mean economic returns (Rs 21,8691 ha) and benefit :cost ratio (2.27) were obtained from rice-wheat croping sequence, followed by rice-rapeseed and the lowest recorded by rice-oat cropping sequence. Rice-wheat-based cropping sequence also proved most efficient in terms of rice equivalent, production efficiency, land-use efficiency and energy equivalent.