Double cropping systems for sustainability and livelihood security in rainfed alfisols

In dryland agriculture, traditional mono-cropping systems face challenges due to limited water availability and erratic rainfall patterns, leading to moisture stress and soil degradation. This study investigates the potential of double cropping systems with pulses and oilseeds to enhance productivity and sustainability in dryland regions. The experiment was conducted at the Gungal Research Farm during 2022-23 to evaluate six pulse-oilseed cropping systems with and without rainwater management against existing intercropping system of sorghum+ pigeonpea (2:1). Cowpea emerged as a promising crop, exhibiting higher yield (1415 kg/ ha) compared to other pulses. Double crop of sesame and cowpea showed promising results, offering substantial yields and total crop yield per unit area (1655 kg/ha). Rainwater management significantly influenced crop performance. Apart from the yield, the price of both cowpea and sesame resulted in higher crop equivalent yield (1688 and 1597 kg/ha) compared to other cropping systems with and without rainwater management. Overall, the study emphasizes that cowpea- sesame system with rainwater management is the best system that resulted in higher green gram equivalent yield (1655 kg/ha).