Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SOWING DATES AND METHODS OF PLANTING ON CROP PRODUCTIVITY, PROFITABILITY AND SOIL HEALTH UNDER DIFFERENT CROP SEQUENCES

KM. Patil, A.G. Wani, A.B. Kamble and C.B. Gaikwad

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2002-03 and 2003-04 at All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Cropping Systems Main Centre, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri (M.S.) to evaluate different cropping sequences in relation to time of sowing and planting techniques. The soybean — wheat cropping sequence recorded significantly maximum pearlmillet equivalent yield (100.16 q/ha), gross monetary returns (Rs. 66,665/ha), net monetary returns (Rs. 45,930/ha) than pearmillet—wheat and soybean—rabi sorghum cropping seauences. However, maximum B: C ratio (3.30) was observed with soybean—rabi sorghum cropping sequence. The maximum sustainable value index (0.56) was recorded by the soybean—wheat cropping sequence.The soybean—wheat cropping sequence recorded numerically maximum energy input value (33540) however, energy output (204013), energy balance (170474), energy balance per unit input (5.09) and energy input out put ratio (6.09) were significantly higher with pearImilet — wheat cropping sequence. As regards to sowing time the normal sowing date recorded significantly higher pearlmillet equivalent yield (98.10 q ha-'), monetary returns, sustainable value index ( 0.59 ) and energy assessment values as compared to early and late sowing dates. Among planting techniques conventional planting techniques proved its superiority over alternate row skipped planting and one row skipped after every two rows planting by recording significantly higher values in respect of pearlmillet equivalent (91.23 q hal, monetary returns and maximum sustainable value index (0.49), however, maximum B : C ration (3.19) was recorded by alternate row skipped planting technique. Similarly, conventional planting technique recorded significantly higher values of all energy parameters as compare to rest of the planting techniques.