Effect of integrated sources of nutrient, puddling and irrigation schedule on productivity of rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during 1999–2000 to 2001–2002 at Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, to evaluate the effect of level of puddling along with integrated sources of nutrients and irrigation schedule to rice (Oryza sativa L.) and it residual effect on wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) productivity in rice-wheat cropping system. Conventional (3 passes with cultivator + 2 plankings) and reduced (through rice puddler) puddling had not much significant difference in yields. However, grain yields obtained with 80 kg N/ha (50% through green manure + 50% through urea) were comparable to 80 kg N/ha (50% through FYM + 50% through urea), but both were significantly higher than 80 kg N through urea. Similarly, irrigation schedule had a significant effect and it was found that 1 day drainage period after disappearance of 7 ± 2 cm ponded water recorded higher yield but comparable to 3 days drying period. However, 5 days drainage period resulted in significantly lower yield than 1 and 3 days. Level of puddling and irrigation shedule followed during the rainy-season rice had no residual effect on wheat yield, but integrated sources of nutrients (organic + inorganic) had residual effect on succeeding wheat yield and nutrient uptake of rice-whet system.