Developing intensification options to enhance productivity and resource use efficiency of conservation agriculture based pearlmillet mustard cropping system
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Date
2023
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DIVISION OF AGRONOMY ICAR-INDIAN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE NEW DELHI - 110 012
Abstract
The present study addresses global agricultural challenges, focusing on rainfed systems in India,
highlighting the importance of sustainable intensification through conservation agriculture,
particularly zero tillage and residue management, within the context of the economically
significant pearl millet-mustard cropping system, aiming to enhance productivity, resource-use
efficiency, and sustainability while addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security
concerns. To combat micronutrient malnutrition and improve yields in rainfed cropping systems,
this study explores climate-smart strategies like conservation agriculture and intensified millet
cropping. ZT (zero tillage) systems with intercropping of legumes (clusterbean, cowpea, and
chickpea) significantly increased productivity (7-12.5%), micronutrient biofortification [Fe
(12.5%), Zn (4.9-12.2%), Mn (3.1-6.7%), and Cu (8.3-16.7%)], protein content (2.2-9.9%), oil
content (1.3%) and fatty acid profile of pearl millet grains compared to conventional tillage (CT)
based systems with sole cropping. Zero Tillage (ZT) systems consistently outperform conventional
tillage, with a significant increase in mustard grain yield, major nutrient content (phosphorus and
potassium), and micronutrient levels (iron, zinc, manganese, and copper). Mustard grain yield in
ZT-P+CB-M surpasses conventional tillage. In conclusion, ZT with residue-recycling and legume
intercropping is a recommended approach for enhancing pearl millet in South Asian rainfed agro ecosystems. system productivity (PEY and MEY) over the two-year study, with ZT-PCWM and
ZT-PCLM exhibiting significant improvements of approximately 70.35% to 93.97% in the Kharif
season and ZT-PCLM and ZT-PMC showcasing remarkable enhancements of approximately
57.46% to 130.08% in the Rabi season. The combination of ZT with intercropping and residue in
both seasons significantly affect the soil bulk density, soil moisture extraction, MBC and carbon
pools. The soil aggregates size distribution was higher with residue retention in zero tillage. ZT PCLM consistently delivered higher Gross Returns, Net Returns, Benefit-Cost Ratio, and lower
Input Cost Ratio compared to other treatments, with notable grain yield increases over the control
treatment (CT-PM). In contrast, Zero Tillage with intercropping and Crop Residue Management
(ZT-PM) excelled in terms of Net Returns and ICR outperforming the control. Overall, these
results emphasize the economic advantages of ZT-PCLM and ZT-PM in enhancing pearl millet
crop profitability.