Unraveling the Impact of Cumin-Centric Cropping Sequences on Cumin Yield, Economic Viability, and Dynamics of Soil Enzymatic Activities in Hot Arid Climatic Conditions
Author:
Mehriya Moti Lal1, Singh Devendra2, Verma Anil Kumar1, Geat Neelam1, Alataway Abed3, Al-Othman Ahmed A.4, Dewidar Ahmed Z.3, Mattar Mohamed A.3
Affiliation:
1. Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Agriculture University, Jodhpur 342304, India 2. ICAR—Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur 342003, India 3. Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water, Prince Sultan Institute for Environmental, Water and Desert Research, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia 4. Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
A comprehensive study spanning three kharif and rabi seasons (2018–2019, 2020–2021, and 2021–2022) was conducted to investigate the intricate interactions among different cropping sequences and their impacts on cumin yield, financial outcomes, and soil microbial dynamics. The experiment was designed using a randomized block design, comprising eight distinct treatment combinations, each replicated three times. The results revealed compelling insights into the potential of specific cropping sequences to enhance multiple aspects of agricultural sustainability. The results revealed that the highest cumin yield (averaging 592 kg ha−1 over the three years) was achieved when cumin was cultivated subsequent to pearl millet, showcasing significant increases of 14.28% and 23.07% over the cumin–fallow and cumin–cotton cropping systems, respectively. When it came to cumin equivalent yield, the cumin–cotton cropping sequence (985 kg ha−1) emerged as the most favorable, closely followed by cumin–groundnut (968 kg ha−1). Furthermore, analyzing net realizations and benefit–cost ratios demonstrated that the cumin–pearl millet cropping sequence stood out with the maximum values (₹88,235 ha−1 and 2.7, respectively), followed by the cumin–mung bean cropping system (₹84,164 ha−1 and 2.47, respectively). Among the various cropping sequences studied, cumin–mung bean, cumin–cluster bean, cumin–pearl millet and cumin–groundnut were recorded as statistically similar in terms of soil microbial enzymatic activities viz. fluorescein diacetate (FDA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and microbial biomass carbon and were at par over the cumin–sorghum, cumin–sesame, cumin–cotton and cumin–fallow cropping systems. These findings emphasize the significance of strategic crop sequencing for sustainable agriculture practices that simultaneously optimize productivity and maintain soil health.
Funder
Deputyship for Research & Innovation, Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia
Subject
Agronomy and Crop Science
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