Effect of organic farming on productivity, soil fertility and economics of scented rice-tomato–bottle gourd cropping system.

Field experiments were conducted during 2006–2009 to study the effect of various organic sources (computed on 150 kg ha−1N-equivalent basis) forming seven treatments, viz. Azotobacter + FYM, FYM, Goat manure, Vermicompost, Azolla + FYM and cow urine along with no application (control) in rice(cv Sugandha) and their residual effect on productivity of tomato (Swarna Lalima) and bottle gourd(Arka Bahar) crops, soil fertility and economics of the cropping system. The highest rice grain yield of 2.68 t ha−1was recorded with Azolla + FYM which was at par with vermicompost (2.55 t ha−1), Azotobacter + FYM (2.41 t ha−1) and FYM (2.37 t ha−1). Among different organic sources the rice grain yield was significantly lower under goat manure and cow urine. However, vermicompost recorded significantly highest yield of tomato as well as bottle gourd which was at par with Azotobacter + FYM and FYM treatment. Maximum net return of Rs. 3, 11, 958 ha−1with 3.59 benefit: cost ratio was obtained by vermicompost. It was followed by net return of Rs.2, 98, 628/-and B: C ratio of 3.42 by Azotobacter + FYM and net return of Rs.2, 77298/-and B: C ratio of 3.25 by FYM alone treatment. The continuous application of all the organic sources to rice for three years significantly improved the soil-organic carbon, available N, P and K status at the end of the cropping system.