Evaluation of cropping systems for livelihood security of farmers in rainfed sub-tropics of Jammu Singh A.P.*, Gupta Vikas, Singh Brinder, Kumar Jai, Singh Mahender, Abrol Vikas, Singh Permendra Advanced Centre for Rainfed Agriculture (SKUAST-J), Rakh Dhiansar-181133, India *Corresponding author e-mail: apsinghagron@gmail.com
Online Published on 20 August, 2022. Abstract In this study, Leucaena leucocephala was introduced in the traditional agriculture system and total six systems viz., cereal-cereal, pulse-cereal, agri-pastoral, agri-silvipastoral, agri-horti-pastoral and vegetable-vegetable were evaluated for livelihood security of farmers under rainfed sub-tropical foot hill plains of Jammu. The agrisilvi-pastoral system recorded an overall increase in gross income (43.23%), maize equivalent yield (50.73%), rain water use efficiency (55.57%), sustainable yield index (44.17) and employment days (34.7 md) in comparison to the other systems studied. The Leucaena leucocephala plots were also characterized by higher organic carbon content and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium availability. This technological intervention also increased the fuel and fodder (mixed fodder and green leaves) production and enhanced the B: C ratio (61.6%) of the system when compared to other systems in vogue in rainfed subtropical foot hill plains of Jammu. Top Keywords Agri-horti-pastoral system, Agri-silvi-pastoral system, Legumes, Multi-purpose trees. Top |