Effect of different cropping systems and organic integrated nutrient management on protein yield and availability of quality protein

Abstract

The experiment entitled, “Impact of organic nutrient modules on productivity of cropping systems, pest dynamics and soil quality,” was carried out in the plot No. 76 at Agronomy Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, during kharif and rabi season of 2018-19 and 2019 - 20. The soil of the experimental plot was clayey in texture having swell shrink property. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design (SrPD) with six main plot factors and three sub plot factors comprising of cropping rotations/systems (6) and organic integrated nutrient management (3) and replicated thrice. Accordingly, in all eighteen treatment combinations were studied to find out the effect of organic nutrient module on cropping system. The findings revealed that the protein content and protein yield was found highest in pigeonpea + soybean (1:4) in first year and pigeonpea + soybean (1:3) in second year. In both years total protein yield and available quality protein was found highest in pigeonpea + soybean (1:4) and pigeonpea + soybean (1:3) cropping sequence followed by blackgram – chickpea in first year and cotton + blackgram (2:1) in second year over rest of the cropping sequence. Protein content (%) and protein yield (kg ha-1) was found maximum with 75% FYM + Vermicompost (top dressing) + 25% Neem cake, followed by 100% FYM + Vermicompost. Total protein yield (kg ha-1) and available quality protein was found maximum in 75% FYM + Vermicompost (top dressing) + 25% Neem cake (471.1 kg ha-1).