Discerning of Biologically Proficient Rice and Maize Based Cropping Sequences in Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh

Aim: Comparative evaluation of various rice and maize based cropping sequences and assessment of their productivity.

Study Design: Descriptive statistics was used and each treatment was replicated quadruple times using randomized block design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agronomy, CSA University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India from 2010-2017.

Methodology: We have undertaken traditional cropping systems along with some new proposed cropping sequences in central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh to find out the biologically efficient cropping systems in terms of rice equivalent yield. We implemented randomized block design in the field level to layout the different crops according to the various seasons in terms of space and time. Various inputs like water, fertilisers, chemicals etc. applied accordingly as per their recommendation. Different types of cultural practices are implemented to fulfill the crop needs. Timely samples are drawn from all the crops to analyze the characteristics of their biological yield and production efficiency.

Result: Among four rice based cropping sequences, hyb. rice –wheat-green gram (G+R) and six maize based cropping sequences, maize+blackgram-potato-onion cropping sequences were recorded the highest rice equivalent yield of 219.04 Kg/ha and 320.43 kg/ha respectively. In terms of production efficiency (kg/ha/day) same trend was followed.

Conclusion: On the basis of overall productivity, biological yield, production efficiency and land use efficiency it may infer that hyb. rice-wheat-green gram (G+R) and maize+blackgram-potato-onion crop sequences were treated as best biologically efficient cropping sequences among rice based and maize based cropping sequences, respectively.