Influence of Diversified Cropping Systems on Yield Sustainability and Soil Properties in the Tarai Region of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Modern agriculture in the Tarai region faces increasing pressure from declining productivity and deteriorating soil health. A two-year field study was conducted during 2023-24 and 2024-25 at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, to evaluate the influence of eight diversified cropping systems on Yield Sustainability Index (YSI) and selected soil properties at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths. The soil parameters assessed included pH, electrical conductivity (EC), bulk density (BD), and water holding capacity (WHC). The YSI varied significantly among cropping systems in both years. Sweet corn-broccoli-okra recorded the highest YSI values of 4.32 and 4.59 in 2023-24 and 2024-25, respectively, whereas black gram-gram-Sesbania recorded the lowest value of 1.00 in both years. Soil pH remained statistically unaffected by cropping systems at both depths. At the 0-15 cm depth, EC and BD differed significantly among systems, while differences at 15-30 cm were non-significant. Basmati rice-potato-maize recorded higher EC, whereas rice-wheat-fallow recorded higher BD. Legume- and green manure-based systems, particularly black gram-gram-Sesbania and rice-lentil-cowpea, improved WHC at both depths. The findings indicate that sweet corn-broccoli-okra enhanced yield sustainability, while legume-inclusive systems contributed to improved soil physical properties. Diversified cropping systems may therefore support productivity and soil quality in the Tarai region of the Indo-Gangetic Plains.