EFFECT OF CROP DIVERSIFICATION AND INTENSIFICATION AND ORGANIC MANURING ON SYSTEM PRODUCTIVITY AND SOIL HEALTH

A field experiment was conducted during 2005-06 and 2006-07 to find out the most remunerative rice based cropping sequence and source of organic nutrition for sustainable production on sandy clay loam soil, low in available N and S and medium in P and K. RCEY was recorded highest with the treatment comprising application of nitrogen through organic manure along with bio-inoculants (Azotobacter and PSB) followed by only N through organic manure. RGEY and gross return was recorded significantly higher in Rice-Potato-Onion cropping sequence. Net return was also recorded significantly higher under Rice-Potato-Onion cropping sequence except Rice-Rajmash-Onion. Production efficiency was also recorded significantly higher in Rice-Potato-Onion cropping sequence than rest of the treatments. Nutrient uptake had obtained significantly highest value in Rice-Maize-Cowpea cropping sequence. Nutrient status of the soil and microbial profile gets improved significantly under treatment in which 100% RDN was applied through organic manures along with biofertilizers.