Maize (Zea mays)-based cropping system on raised beds influenced the productivity, soil quality and profitability in North-East India

A field experiment was conducted for 4 years (2013–17) at Umiam, Meghalaya, India, to study the performance of different maize- based cropping sequences on permanent raised beds in valley lowland under a mid-hill altitude of North-East India. The treatment consisted of 9 maize-based cropping sequences (maize–greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek], maize–rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb) ohwi & ohashi], maize–rajmash [Phaseolus vulgaris L.], maize–pea [Pisum sativum L.], maize–groundnut [Arachis hypogaea L.], maize–lentil [Lens culinaris Medik], maize–linseed [Linum usitatissimum L.], maize–mustard [Brassica juncea L.], and maize–toria [Brassica compestris var. toria L.), on raised beds with legume and non-legume crops. The inclusion of legume crops in the cropping sequence significantly enhanced the system productivity as compared to non-legume crops. Amongst the various crop combinations, maize–pea gave the highest production efficiency (65.93 kg/ha/day), followed by maize–rajmash (65.70 kg/ha/day), the lowest being with maize–toria (34.22 kg/ha/day). Land-use efficiency was higher with maize–pea and maize– lentil systems. The highest cost of cultivation was recorded in maize–rice bean and maize–rajmash, but the maximum net returns were realized from maize–pea (`56,964/ha) and maize–rajmash (`42,118/ha) sequences. The sustainable yield index (SYI) and sustainable value index as well as a benefit: cost ratio was also higher with maize–pea and maize–rajmash cropping sequences. Maize–mustard registered the highest nutrient uptake but the residual fertility status was more with maize–pea cropping system. The soil quality improved due to the inclusion of legumes as compared to non-leguminous crops in maize-based cropping sequence. The surfaceplot analysis portrayed the positive relationship between soil quality parameters like SOC (r = 0.10), available N (r = 0.27), available phosphorus (r = 0.22) and available potassium (r = 0.22) with SYI.