Crop intensification boosts productivity, profits, and soil fertility in rice-wheat system.
A study was conducted to improve rice-wheat crop productivity and profitability by introducing different crops in the rotation. After 4 years, a rotation including rice, potato, wheat, and green manure had the highest wheat yield and soil fertility. However, the cost-benefit ratio was lower. Growing vegetable pea between rice and wheat resulted in the highest net return and energy efficiency. Continuous cultivation of prickly sesban or dhaincha and growing vegetable pea and potato also significantly increased soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels compared to the traditional rice-wheat system.