Legume stover and nitrogen management effects on system productivity, energetics and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum)-based cropping systems

A fixed plot field experiment was conducted at New Delhi during the kharif and rabi season of 2009–10 and 2010–11 to evaluate the effect of cropping systems, legume residue management, and N levels on system productivity, energetic and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum(L.) emend. Fiori & Paol) –based cropping systems. The system productivity was the highest(8.62 t/ha)in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)–wheat cropping system with residue incorporation closely followed by without residue incorporation (8.23t/ha). Groundnut–wheat and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) –wheat cropping system with residue incorporation recorded higher mean energy use efficiency (11.84 and 11.80 respectively), while maize (Zea mays L.)–wheat produced more gross energy output (268.7 ×10³ MJ/ha) and net energy (242.55×10³ MJ/ha). On an average, groundnut–wheat cropping system with residue incorporation recorded higher net returns (72.01 × 10³/ha), net returns per rupee invested (1.97) and system productivity (8.62 t/ha). System productivity, gross returns and net returns were the highest with 150 kgN/ha, however application of 150 kg N/ha was statistically similar to 100 kg N/ha with regards to net returns and net returns per rupee invested. There was saving of 50 kg N/ha in wheat cultivation, when it was grown as succeeding crop after legume.