Comparative evaluation of organic and non-organic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) production systems

摘要

The sustainability of organic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) based production system vis-a -vis non-organic system under low input, semi-arid pedo-climatic conditions was evaluated during 2001 through 2005 on farmers' fields in Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. Mean yield of cotton, mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek], soybean (Glycine max L. Men.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were either similar or slightly higher under the organic system than the non-organic system. The organic system also had a higher diversity index (4.3) than the non-organic system (2.9). Organic cultivation practices did not improve fibre quality parameters. Samples from 4 soil pedons and 56 surface soils were analyzed in 2001 and again in 2005. Soils from non-organic pedons had a higher pH and ex-Na, whereas the organic carbon content was higher under organic system. During both the sampling periods, the mean organic carbon and available Zn were significantly higher in the organic system. All the soils were calcareous but the proportion of organic to total carbon was higher in organic system and between sampling periods, this increased from 54.5 to 57.5%. Thus, adoption of organic production practices improved the biophysical sustainability of the low input systems prevailing in semi-arid pedo-climatic conditions of the region.