Selection of suitable integrated farming system model for rainfed semi-arid vertic inceptisols in Tamil Nadu

Five models of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) were examined at Kovilpatti in Tamil Nadu during 2003, 2004 and 2005 to identify a superior model for attaining maximum net returns and benefit: cost ratio, and for employment generation and improving soil fertility in a semi-arid vertic inceptisols. The different IFS models assessed were: (A) conventional cropping; (B) crop + poultry (20) + goat (4); (C) crop + poultry (20) + goat (4) + dairy (1); (D) crop + poultry (20) + goat (4) + sheep (6); and (E) crop + poultry (20) + goat (4) + sheep (6) + dairy (1). Among the models examined, model (E) recorded a maximum net income of Rs 17,598/ha/year, with maximum employment generation (389 mandays/ha/year). It also recorded maximum organic C (0.35%), available soil N (134 kg/ha), soil P (8.5 kg/ha) and soil K (378 kg/ha) at the end of the study. It was followed by model C, with a net income of Rs 14,208/ha/year and employment generation of 343 mandays/ha/year. Based on the sustainability index derived for different models, the model E was found superior with a maximum sustainability for net returns (65.3%) and for employment generation (79.9%), apart from increase in soil fertility.