Effect of crop diversification 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. RGEY 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, gross return and production efficiency was recorded significantly higher in Rice-Potato-Onion cropping sequence while in terms of net return it was comparable with Rice-Rajmash-Onion. Nutrient uptake was maximum 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 bio-fertilizers.