Diversification and intensification of cropping systems under constraint irrigated conditions in Maharashtra

摘要

The field experiment was conducted during 2001-2002 to 2004-05 at Main Centre for Cropping Systems Research Project MPKV Rahuri (Maharashtra), under irrigated eco system. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with four replications, threemain plot treatments and eight sub-plot treatments. Total five crop cycles have been completed. Three treatment combinations including Optimal (irrigation at all critical growth stages), Irrigation skipped at one critical growth stage and Irrigation skipped at two critical growth stages were studied for eight cropping systems. Out of eight crop sequences, in Soybean-Chickpea crop cycle, soil fertility status including organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium has been improved with significant increase in yield. Soybean- Chickpea cropping system was found significantly superior as it gave higher net monetary returns and B: C ratio followed by Pearl millet + pigeon pea (2:2) intercropping system as compared to other cropping systems.Irrigation applied at all critical growth stages registered significantly higher gross, net monetary returns and B: C ratio than those recorded by one and two irrigations skipped. After harvest of rabi crops, the status of available N, P, and K in soil increased over their initial status. During rabi season, irrigation at all the critical growth stages of rabi crops showed higher N, P, K uptake. Soybean -chickpea cropping system for diversification and Pearl millet + pigeon pea (2:2) intercropping system for intensification are recommended for replacement of the existing Pearl millet- wheat cropping system.