Evaluation of BBF and raised bed sowing techniques for soybean cultivation in Central India

Abstract

Madhya Pradesh is the soya state. Soyabean crop is facing adverse situation for profitable cultivation. Sowing as well as harvesting is now become problematic due to changing pattern of rainfall. This study was conducted during 2025-26 in kharif season in Central India to assess the energy as well as monetary indices for the soybean cultivation under climate smart sowing techniques. For the trial purpose, three different sowing methods were used: T1, farmers practice; T2, broad bed furrow (BBF); and T3, furrow irrigated raised bed system. Eight replications of the Randomized Block Design statistical design were used for the analysis. The energy indices were calculated using the energy equivalent of various inputs and outputs. The highest seed yield (1045 kg ha-1), net return (?17325/-), and B:C (1.58) were obtained from raised beds, which were followed by BBF. The yield under climate-smart sowing techniques (Raised Bed and BBF) was superior to farmers' practices despite the unpredictable climate. T1 had the lowest total input energy requirement (10578.69 MJha-1), whereas T3 had the highest (11292.07 MJha-1). The time required for sowing and the variation in seed rate across all sowing procedures led to differences in the total input energy needed. Raised beds yielded the highest soybean output (seed and straw) energy (40411.5 MJha-1), whereas farmer's practices yielded the lowest (30435.7 MJha-1). Adopting advanced techniques (Raised Bed and BBF) can maximize the net energy return of soybean farming while increasing productivity.