Production potential, economics and soil fertility status of sunflower (Helianthus annuus)-based cropping sequences under scarce rainfall zone of Andhra Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted for 5 years (1996–97 to 2000–2001) at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal, revealed that among different cropping sequences involving sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) the sunflower-equivalent yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)-sunflower was the highest (1,555 kg/ha) and was at par with setaria (Setaria sp.)-sunflower (1,545 kg/ha) and sunflower-sunflower (1,503 kg/ha). The net returns and benefit: cost ratio were the highest for setaria-sunflower followed by sunflower-sunflower sequence. The soil fertility status of rainfed cropping systems involving pulse crops was better than that involving non-pulse crops in the sequence.