Effect of organic nitrogen sources and biofertilizers on production potential and energy budgeting of rice (Oryza sativa)-based cropping systems

A field experiment was conducted during 2005–06 and 2006–07 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to find out the effect of organic nitrogen sources and biofertilizers on system productivity and energy budgeting of rice (Oryza sativa L.)-based cropping system. Rice–potato [Solanum tubersoum (L.)]–onion [Allium cepa (L.)] system recorded significantly higher production efficiency (97.5 kg/ha/day), land-utilization efficiency (91.4%), economic efficiency (738/ha/day), energy input (61.08×10³MJ/ha) and energy output (187.09×10³MJ/ha). The lowest (39.4 × 10³MJ/ha) energy intensiveness was recorded in rice–table pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense)–cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cropping system. However, the organic nutrition with biofertilizers (Azotobacter and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria) had the highest rice-equivalent grain yield (35.3 t/ha), production efficiency (96.7kg/ha/day), land utilization efficiency (89.8%), economic efficiency (803 ha/day) and energy-use efficiency (3.15) of system, followed by organic nitrogen sources alone (3.0). Recommended dose of N @100% through organic nitrogen sources alone was the next best treatment resulting in higher productivity and system efficiency. Rice-potato-onion cropping system was found most productive, profitable and energy efficient with application of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen through organic sources along with biofertilizers.