Cropping system approach for managing soil health: Field experiences

Abstract

Rice is the major cereal crop of India in terms of area, production and consumer preference, To maximize the production from the available resources and prevailing climatic conditions, need-based, location specific technology needs to be generated. Delineation of agro-climatic zones based on soil, water, rainfall, temperature etc. was considered as the first essential step for sustainable production. The predominant cropping systems were identified, constraints addressed, production potential estimated and matching technologies as package of practices for identified efficient alternative cropping systems prepared for ready reference of planners and farmers of different states, agro-climatic zones.