Crop Residue Management and its Impact on Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Rice-Wheat Cropping Sequence in Tarai Belt of Shivalik Himalaya

Abstract

The rice–wheat cropping system is among the most extensively practised agricultural systems globally and is particularly prevalent in northwest India. The study emphasized that in situ crop residue management practices offer the most effective solution to mitigate the widespread issue of residue burning. Crop diversification in rice-based cropping systems has been recognised as an effective strategy for fulfilling the objectives of enhancing productivity for food security, judicious uses of resources and sustainable agriculture for the marginalised group of farmers. A two-year field study was conducted to evaluate the effects of inorganic and organic nutrient sources on the yield and nutrient uptake of rice and wheat crops. Detailed meteorological data for the cropping season—based on mean weekly observations recorded at the Meteorological Observatory of the Crop Research Centre during the experimental period. For the determination of available nutrients, the AB-DTPA (ammonium bicarbonate–diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) extractable concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N), phosphorus (P₂O₅), and potassium (K₂O) were measured following the standard procedure. The results revealed that the application of inorganic fertilizers (T9) consistently produced the highest grain and straw yields in both rice (55.24 and 70.87 q ha⁻¹) and wheat (52.21 and 75.05 q ha⁻¹), primarily due to the rapid availability of nutrients that support optimal crop growth. In contrast, control treatments without nutrient inputs (T8) recorded the lowest yields across both crops. Treatments incorporating crop residues (T2–T7) generally resulted in lower yields compared to those receiving full inorganic inputs, likely due to the slower release of nutrients during residue decomposition. However, combinations involving crop residues, green manures, and Pusa Decomposer (notably T3 and T5) demonstrated improved performance among the organic treatments, indicating synergistic effects on nutrient cycling and soil health. Nutrient uptake followed similar patterns, with T9 showing the highest nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake in both crops. Integrated nutrient management, combining organic and inorganic sources, significantly enhanced nutrient uptake compared to the control and sole organic treatments. These findings underscore the importance of balanced and integrated fertilization strategies to optimize crop productivity and nutrient efficiency in rice-wheat cropping systems. Supporting literature further reinforces the benefits of combining organic amendments with recommended fertilizer doses for sustained soil fertility and crop yield improvement.