Evaluation of different cropping systems for increased yields, water productivity and profitability in Punjab

Field experiment was conducted during 2002–03 to 2005–06 at Ludhiana, to evaluate the effect often crop sequences on productivity, profitability, weed population and soil fertility. Maximum rice equivalent yield (27.8 t/ha) was recorded in maize (Zea mays L.)- potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)- onion (Allium cepa) cropping system followed by summer groundnut-potato-pearlmillet (fodder) and maize-potato-summer mungbean cropping systems. These cropping systems resulted in an additional rice equivalent yield of 6.3 to 8.5 t/ha and irrigation water saving of 97 to 124 cm over rice-wheat system. The highest calorific value was with maize-wheat-mungbean (40, 144 _ 103 kcal), and production efficiency with maize-potato-onion cropping system (72.5 kg/day/ha). The highest net returns (Rs 86, 668/ha/year) were realized from maize-potato-onion cropping system. All the cropping systems recorded lower population of Phalaris minor than in rice -wheat system.