Effect of organic farming on productivity, soil health and economics of rice (Oryza sativa)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) system Yadav D.S., Kumar Vineet, Yadav Vivek N.D. University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh 224 229. Abstract A study was done from 2003–2008 at Kumarganj, Faizabad to assess the impact of organic manures on performance of (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum (L.) Fiori & Paol.) system. Among different organic farming treatments, incorporation of crop residues in both the crops + green manuring + phosphorus solubilising microbes (PSM) + poultry manure (PM) 5 t/ha + neem cake 0.2 t/ha, resulted in highest values of growth and yield components, yield and net return. This treatment gave 16.1, 16.6, 13.1, 13.1 and 44.5% higher yield of rice and 19.7, 17.0, 14.5, 7.5 and 26.8% higher yield of wheat over T1, T2, T3, T4 (organics) and T6 (inorganics) respectively. Maximum amount of balance or un-utilized NPK was computed with inorganics treatment (T6). All the organic farming treatments improved soil health as evident by increased organic carbon and reduction in soil pH. Highest values of organic carbon (0.64%) after 5 years of experimentation was recorded with wheat residues + FYM 10 t/ha + 0.2 t/ha neem cake in rice and rice residue + pressmud 10 t/ha in wheat (T3). Treatment with crop residue + green manuring + poultry manure 5 t/ha + PSM + neem–cake 0.2 t/ha also proved most remunerative and gave 15.46, 16.08, 14.17, 8.87 and 36.48 x 103 Rs/ha higher net return over T1, T2, T3, T4 and T6, respectively. Highest benefit: cost ratio (1.60) was also recorded with this treatment. Top Key words Economics, Organic farming, Productivity, Rice, Soil fertility, Wheat. Top |