Short-Term Effect of Resource Conservation Practices on Soil Loss, Productivity and Energy Budgeting of Soybean–Mustard System in Table Lands of Chambal Ravine

Abstract

Soil loss is the emerging issue and challenge for sustaining crop production, especially in rainfed ecosystem. Resource conservation with locally available amendments would provide protection against erosion and improve soil health. With this background, an experiment with combination of various amendments like gypsum, crop residue (CR), farm yard manure (FYM) with and without fertilizers was carried out in soybean–mustard cropping system in table lands under rainfed conditions of south eastern Rajasthan. Results of the experiment showed that resource conservation treatments (gypsum + CR + FYM) with fertilizers significantly improved grain yield by 53% over no amendment applied plots. Mean reduction in soil loss ~ 29% and runoff ~ 26% with combined application of gypsum, CR, FYM treatments in soybean was observed. Higher net returns (Rs 52,010 ha−1) and B:C (1.11) values were also observed in the treatment. Gypsum application reduced ESP values, enhanced soil S content and CR, FYM improved SOC content thereby conserving soil and water. Treatments with CR as amendment resulted in higher energy output, energy profitability, energy intensiveness, and treatments without CR showed highest energy efficiency (10.2) and energy productivity (8.2 kg MJ−1). Short-term effect of using economic and effective amendments has significant impact on resource conservation, productivity, energy parameters and by resource poor farmers to conserve soil and water and improve crop yield in rainfed ecosystem of India.