Effect of organic manure and biofertilizers on system productivity and profitability of potato (Solanum tuberosum)-French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cropping system

A fixed plot field experiment was conducted during 2 consecutive summer and autumn seasons of 2013 and 2014 at the Shillong, Meghalaya, to evaluate the effect of organic manure and biofertilizers on system productivity and profitability of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)-French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cropping sequence. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design, having 3 replications. Application of the recommended dose of fertilizers to the each crops (140 N: 120 P₂O₅: 60 K₂O kg/ha) through synthetic fertilizers resulted in 4.5% higher system productivity than FYM application @ 30 t/ha along with inoculation biofertilizers [Azotobacter + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB)]. However, the maximum economic efficiency (471/ha/day), net return (=172.1 × 10³/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.3) were noticed by application of 30 t FYM/ha along with inoculation of biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB). The increase in production efficiency due to application of biofertilizers was 14.0% over without biofertilizers with same level of FYM (30 t/ha). Either application 15 t FYM or 30 t FYM/ha with inoculation of biofertilizers generated more net returns than recommended dose of fertilizers due to premium on organic produce. Depending upon the availability as well as capability of farmers either application of 15 t FYM or 30 t FYM with inoculation of biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB) may be more profitable and sustainable potato-French bean cropping system in north-eastern hill region of India under rainfed condition.