Energy efficiency and economics of transplanted rice under integrated nutrient management in a rainfed medium land

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management located at Mendhasal, Odisha for three years 2010 to 2012) in kharif season. Integrated nutrient management (INM) using in-situ green manure Sesbania and complimentary dose of chemical fertilizers was compared with the conventional practice of applying chemical fertilizers alone under Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that grain and straw yields of rice were similar under INM and chemical fertilizer treatments. However, energy input was less under the INM by 23.5%, which resulted in higher specific energy, net energy, and energy output input ratio. Mean expenditure under INM was less by INR 3362/ha. a higher net return of 27982/ha was noted INM as compared to chemical fertilizer treatment (INR 23412/ha). Net return under Chemical fertilizer treatment decreased progressively over years from INR 24599/ha in the year 2010 to INR 23412/ha in 2012. However, the trend was reverse for INM indicating positive residual effect under INM.