Energetics and water-use efficiency of intensive cropping system

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 1986-88 at Coimbatore to study the energy and water-use ef- ficiency of 6 selected, high-intensity cropping systems. Among the systems tested, fingermillet [Eleusine co- racana (L.) Gaertn.] + onion (Allium cepa L.) - maize (Zea mays L.) + cowpea [Vigm unguiculata (L.) Walp.] - tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. nom. cons.) system required maximum energy input (54.7 MJha). The total energy output (714.4 MJha) and energy-use efficiency (18.1) were however high- est in the sorghum [Sorghum bicolor &.)Moench] + pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.1- maize (Zea mays L.) + fodder maiz system. The latter system also recorded the highest water-use efficiency of 240 kg dry matterha-cm, but the total quantity of water used was more in fingermillet+ sunflower (Helianthus ann- uus L.)-upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) + onion-sorghum + cowpea system (1,989.6 cmhalyear). - i