Cropping Kharif Fallows to Enhance Rabi Chickpea Productivity and Cropping Intensity in Rainfed Deep Vertisols: A Comprehensive Review

Rainfed deep Vertisols in semi-arid regions of India are traditionally left fallow during the kharif season to conserve soil moisture for rabi crops, particularly chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). While this practice ensures residual moisture availability, it significantly limits cropping intensity, land productivity and resource use efficiency. Recent agronomic research has demonstrated the feasibility of cropping kharif fallows with short-duration, low-water-demand crops such as green gram, foxtail millet, sesame and cowpea. These crops can be harvested before the onset of rabi season, leaving sufficient residual moisture for chickpea establishment. Moreover, strategic interventions in land configuration, nutrient management and integrated pest control have enabled successful kharif cropping in Vertisols, mitigating risks associated with waterlogging and poor soil aeration. This review synthesizes multidisciplinary research on kharif crop-chickpea systems, comparing them with conventional fallow-chickpea rotations across agronomic, economic and ecological metrics. Evidence from long-term trials and farmer participatory research reveals that intensified systems improve chickpea equivalent yields, enhance soil carbon sequestration, suppress pest and disease cycles and contribute to climate resilience. Integrated nutrient and residue management further supports soil health and microbial activity, while diversified cropping systems offer better profitability and livelihood security. Across Vertisol regions, inclusion of kharif crops increased chickpea equivalent yield by 22–33% and soil organic carbon by 18–21% compared with traditional fallow-chickpea system, while also improving yield stability and farm profitability. The paper also identifies key research gaps and policy interventions needed to scale sustainable kharif cropping in Vertisol landscapes. By integrating agronomic innovations with ecological and socioeconomic perspectives, this review provides a comprehensive framework for advancing chickpea-based systems and promoting sustainable intensification in rainfed agriculture.