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Abstract
A community-based field operational research project was implemented in the Vertisols of Madhya Pradesh (MP), India, to demonstrate the best management practices (BMPs) of land use and soil-fertility management for enhancing productivity. The raised-sunken bed system (RSBS) of land treatment was used to enhance in situ rainwater conservation and minimize soil erosion and nutrient losses. Grain yields of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) were higher in this system than in the flatbed system (FBS) of planting. Soybean (Glycine max) yield increased nearly 100% with the ridge-furrow system (RFS) and about 55% in broad-bed and furrow system (BBFS) compared with the FBS. Adoption of integrated nutrient management (INM) based on soil testing increased soybean and wheat yields by 71% over farmers' practice at Narsinghpur, compared with about 100% for soybean and 187% for wheat at Hoshangabad. Intercropping of soybean with pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) in 4:2 ratio produced higher net return (Rs. 27,620/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (3.3:1) than either of the monocropping system. An aquaculture system was a better alternative to traditional monocropping (Haveli system) in the monsoon season. Aquaculture in the ponded water in the bunded field during monsoon season and growing of wheat or chickpeas in the winter season proved successful, and is being adopted in the region. The concepts of ‘seed farmers’ and ‘seed village’ were promoted to ensure seed replacement and availability of quality seeds of high-yielding varieties of soybean, chickpea, and wheat. Seed replacement increased mean yield in the participating villages by 30% to 50%.