Effect of land configuration on water economy, crop yield and profitability under rice (Oryza sativa)-based cropping systems in north-east India.

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2006 and 2007 to evaluate the water economy and performance of different crop combinations under standard raised and sunken bed system of cultivation in mid-hills of Meghalaya, north-eastern part of India. The treatment consisted of various winter vegetables crops like tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. Mill. nom. cons.), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) grown on sunken beds and gardenpea (Pisum sativum L.) and Frenchbean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown on raised beds under organic mulched and without mulched condition. Periodical observations on soil moisture content and yield attributes of various crops were recorded for further analysis on water economy and profitability of cropping systems. Organic mulching significantly increased the soil moisture content in all the crop combinations. The profile soil moisture content was significantly higher in rice (Oryza sativa L.)–tomato/gardenpea cropping system (29.3%), lowest being in rice-fallow system (22.5%). Results showed that organic mulch decreased soil temperature by 3–5°C compared to that in the plots without mulch. Among the various crop combinations, rice–tomato/gardenpea gave the highest rice equivalent yield and production efficiency (18 138 kg/ha and 77.18 kg/ha/day, respectively), followed by rice–potato/gardenpea system (16 982 kg/ha and 76.50 kg/ha/day, respectively), lowest being in rice monocropping (4 420 kg/ha and 36.23 kg/ha/day, respectively). Highest net returns (Rs 56 730/ha) was recorded in rice–tomato/gardenpea, followed by rice–potato/ gardenpea (Rs 51 465/ha).