Impact of Crop Residue Management on Soil Health under Rice- Wheat Cropping System in Southern Bihar, India
Rama Kant Singh *
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rohtas, BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur, India.
Shobha Rani
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rohtas, BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur, India.
R. K. Jalaj
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rohtas, BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur, India.
Ratan Kumar
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rohtas, BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur, India.
Sanju Kumari
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rohtas, BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur, India.
Rohit Singh
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Rohtas, BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur, India.
R. N. Singh
BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur, India.
R. K. Sohane
BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The study investigates the effects of paddy straw bale management on soil health and the productivity of a rice-wheat cropping system in Southern Bihar. Conducted from 2021 to 2023, the experiment involved four treatments: control (FP), tillage + recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), zero tillage (ZT) + mulching, and burning + ZT (RDF). Soil samples and crop yields were analyzed to evaluate physico-chemical properties, microbial activities, and economic viability. Results revealed that ZT + mulching significantly enhanced soil properties, including organic carbon, nutrient availability (NPK), and microbial activity, compared to other treatments. Grain and straw yields were highest under ZT + mulching for both rice (80.01 and 84.25 q ha-1) and wheat (53.4 and 57.35 q/ha), with improved plant height, panicle density, and grain quality. Economic analysis indicated the highest benefit-cost ratio under ZT + mulching (3.18 for rice and 2.92 for wheat). This sustainable practice demonstrated its potential to mitigate residue burning's negative impacts, enhance soil health, and boost productivity, offering a viable strategy for long-term agricultural sustainability in the region.
Keywords: Crop residue management, soil health, zero tillage, mulching, RDF, tillage, cropping system