Production potential and economics of different crop sequences

An experiment was conducted on sandy-loam soils during the rainy and winter seasons from 1996–97 to 1998–99, to determine the impact of different cropping sequences on productivity, profitability and sustainability. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) - wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) system gave the highest wheat-equivalent yield (82.19 q/ha), net returns (Rs 31,912/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.28), followed by groundnut-Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson], while predominant crop sequence of area maize (Zea mays L.) - wheat gave 54.93 q/ha wheat-equivalent yield only. Groundnut-wheat cropping sequence also proved most efficient in terms of land-use efficiency and production efficiency.