Effect of organic farming on productivity, soil health and economics of rice (Oryza sativa)wheat (Triticum aestivum) system

Abstract

A study was done from 2003 -2008 at Kumarganj, Faizabad to assess the impact of organic manures on per- formance of ( Or yza sativa L.)wheat ( Tr iticum aestivum (L.) Fiori & Paol.) system. Among different organic farm- ing treatments, incorporation of crop residues in both the crops + green manuring + phosphorus solubilising mi- crobes (PSM) + poultry manure (PM) 5 t/ha + neem cake 0.2 t/ha, resulted in highest values of growth and yield components, yield and net return. This treatment gave 16.1, 16.6, 13.1, 13.1 and 44.5 % higher yield of rice and 19.7, 17.0, 14.5, 7.5 and 26.8% higher yield of wheat over T , T , T , T (organics) and T (inorganics) respectively. 1 2 3 4 6 Maximum amount of balance or un-utilized NPK was computed with inorganics treatment (T ). All the organic 6 farming treatments improved soil health as evident by increased organic carbon and reduction in soil pH. High- est values of organic carbon (0.64%) after 5 years of experimentation was recorded with wheat residues + FYM 10 t/ha + 0.2 t/ha neem cake in rice and rice residue + pressmud 10 t/ha in wheat (T ). Treatment with crop resi- 3 due + green manuring + poultry manure 5 t/ha + PSM + neemcake 0.2 t/ha also proved most remunerative and gave 15.46, 16.08, 14.17, 8.87 and 36.48 x 103 Rs/ha higher net return over T , T , T , T and T , respectively. 1 2 3 4 6 Highest benefit: cost ratio (1.60) was also recorded with this treatment.