Productivity and economics of rice (Oryza sativa L.) wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system under integrated nutrient supply systems

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy and winter seasons of 1995 96 and 1996 97 to study the influence of integrated nutrient supply system, comprising inorganic fertilizer and organic manures, on the soil fertility status, productivity and economics of rice (Oryza sativa L.) wheat (Triticum . aestivum L. emend. Fiori Paol.) cropping system. Green manuring with prickly sesban or dhaincha [Sesbania cannabina (Retz) Pers. syn. S. aculeata] to supplement 50% of the recommended nitrogen dose and rest through inorganic fertilizer and 100% recommended dose of fertilizer to wheat crop gave the maximum yield of rice as well as wheat crops. The same treatment also gave the h gnest net returns and benefit : cost ratio, and produced significantly higher bio ass in terms of rice equivalent yield. Among the organic manures, the overall performance of green manure was best followed by farmyard manure and rice straw. The results showed a possibility of saving 50% fertilizer N in rice and 25% in wheat. Application of farmyard manure and rice straw as well as green manuring in rice significantly improved the available N and P status of soil.