Effect of enriched organic formulations on productivity and profitability of baby corn (Zea mays)-kabuli gram (Cicer arietinum)-vegetable cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) cropping system in a semi-arid agro-ecology

A field experiment was conducted during 2020–21 and 2021–22 at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to evaluate the productivity and profitability of baby corn (Zea mays L.)-kabuli gram (Cicer arietinum L.)-vegetable cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cropping system as influenced by enriched organic formulations. Seven nutrient sources, viz. control, 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through FYM, 100% RDN through improved rice residue compost (RRC), 100% RDN through paddy husk ash (PHA)-enriched FYM, 75% RDN through paddy husk ash (PHA)-enriched FYM, 100% RDN through potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) peel compost (PPC)-enriched FYM and 75% RDN through potato peel compost (PPC)-enriched FYM were tested in randomized block design with 3 replications. Results showed that, application of 100% RDN through paddy husk ash (PHA)-enriched FYM gave significantly highest yield of baby corn (1.6 and 1.6 t/ha corn, 8.7 and 8.8 t/ha cob and 25.6 and 26.4 t/ha green fodder), kabuli gram (2.8 and 2.9 t/ha seed and 4.4 and 4.5 t/ha stover) and vegetable cowpea (10.9 and 11.0 t/ha green pod and 24.4 and 24.9 t/ha stover), followed by 100% RDN through potato peel compost (PPC)-enriched FYM and FYM during both the years of study. System productivity in terms of baby corn-equivalent yield (BCEY) was significantly higher under 100% RDN through paddy husk ash (PHA)-enriched FYM (8.7 and 9.0 t/ha) during both the years. This treatment resulted in statistically highest net returns ( 553.6 x 10³/ha and 567.8 x 10³/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (5.0 and 4.9) during 202021 and 2021–22, respectively, and remained at par with 100% RDN through potato peel compost (PPC)-enriched FYM and FYM during both the years.