Effect of organic nutrient management in basmati rice (Oryza sativa)-based cropping systems

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive years of 2005–06 and 2006–07 at Varanasi, India to find out the effect of organic nutrient management on yield and income of basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.)-based cropping systems. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Among the cropping systems, rice-potato-onion recorded highest rice grain equivalent yield (35.34 and 35.81t ha⁻¹), production efficiency (96.81 and 98.11 kg ha⁻¹ day-¹) and net monetary return ( 258299 and 279013 ha⁻¹) during first and second year, respectively. However, the 100% recommended dose of nutrient on nitrogen basis (RDN) through organic manure with biofertilizers (Azotobacter and PSB) had the highest rice grain equivalent yield (34.91 and 35.71t ha-¹) and production efficiency (95.64 and 97.83 kg ha⁻¹ day-¹) of system during first and second year, respectively, followed by organic nitrogen sources alone. Application of 100% RDN through organic nitrogen sources alone was the next best treatment resulting higher productivity (32.02 and 32.62 t ha⁻¹) and production efficiency (87.73 and 89.36 kg ha⁻¹ day-¹) during first and second year, respectively. Similarly, the highest protein content and protein yield of rice grain was recorded with 100% RDN through organic manure and biofertilizers. Hence, rice-potato-onion was found most productive and efficient cropping system with application of 100% RDN through organic sources along with biofertilizers.