Productivity potential of rice (Oryza sativa) -: based cropping sequences under temperate environment

An experiment was conducted on silty clay-loam soils during rainy and winter seasons from 1992 to 1995 to determine the impact of rice (Oryza sativa L.) - based cropping sequence on productivity, profitability, energy and sustainability under temperate environment. Mean rice grain yield of 51.2 and 56.9 q/ha obtained when rice was sequenced with oat (Avena sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) respectively increased to 62.8, 63.6, 64.8 and 67.4 q/ha by following lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus), fallow, berseem [Cymopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taubert] and rapeseed respectively. However. highest mean economic returns (Rs 21,869/ha) and benefit : cost ratio (2.27) were obtained from rice-wheat croping sequence, followed by rice-rapeseed and the lowest recorded by rice-oat cropping sequence. Rice-wheat-based cropping sequence also proved most efficient in terms of rice equivalent, production efficiency, land-use efficiency and energy equivalent.