Feasibility of different crop rotations for cultivation in salt affected soils

Abstract

<p>Crop rotation can be used as an effective technique for managing salt-affected soils, however selection of suitable crop rotation at farmer field is very intricate decision which depends on expected net revenue, available resources and preserving the soil quality. In this perspective a study was conducted to evaluate a suitable crop rotation scheme for salt affected soils in term of economic value and improving the soil health. Seven crop rotation used were; T₁ = Wheat-Rice, T₂ = Wheat-Sesamum, T₃ = Ispagol-Rice, T₄ = Ispagol-Qulfa, T₅ = Tukhum-e-blangoo-Qulfa, T₆ = Ajwain-Niazboo, T₇ = Saunf-Podina. A moderately salt affected field {pH_s= 8.65, EC_e = 5.20 dS m^-1, SAR = 27.73 (mmol l^-1)^1/2} was selected. The experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications having plot size of 4 m x 6 m. Results of two years study showed that maximum grain yield was recorded by rice wheat rotation and maximum net income (208352 Rs. ha⁻¹) and BCR (4.72) was also observed in rice-wheat crop rotation over all other crop rotations. With respect to ameliorative affect, rice- wheat rotation also showed a significant positive impact on chemical properties of salt affected soil. Therefore, it is suggested that rice wheat crop rotation is the most suitable and economically attractive cropping scheme in salt affected soil which has potential to provide better long-term income to farmers, improve soil health and combat soil deterioration caused by salinity.</p>