Energy-efficiency indices of alternative cropping systems of North-West India

A field experiment was conducted during 2006–07 to 2008–09 at Ludhiana, to evaluate the energy input, energy output and energy-use efficiency of diversified cropping systems. The maximum rice (Oryza sativa L.)–equivalent yield (31.7 t/ha) was observed in maize [Zea mays (L.)]–potato [Solanum tuberosum (L.)]–onion [Allium cepa (L.)], which was closely followed by groundnut [Arachis hypogaea (L.)]–potato–pearlmillet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] (fodder), (24.3 t/ha) and maize–potato–mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] (22.8 t/ha) cropping system. The highest total energy input was reported for maize (Zea mays L.)–potato–onion (Allium cepa L.) (69,510 MJ/ha), which was closely followed by maize–potato–mungbean (62,660 MJ/ha) cropping system. Major proportion of energy was added through fertilizer (11.27–42.7%) and diesel (19.8–34.2%) in different cropping systems. The highest energy output was recorded in maize–wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.]–mungbean (5,14,300 MJ/ha), which was followed by maize-wheat (4,61,600 MJ/ha) and maize–potato–onion (4,37,800 MJ/ha). However, energy productivity was the highest in groundnut–toria (Brassica rapa var. toria) + gobhi sarson (Brassica napus subsp. Oleifera Var. annua) (0.82 kg/MJ) as compared to other cropping systems. The energy-use efficiency was the maximum in groundnut–toria + gobhi sarson (16.3) but specific energy was lowest for the same treatment.