Agronomic and economic evaluation of alternative cropping systems for FCV tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) on Vertisols of Andhra Pradesh.

There is scope in tobacco growing regions for cultivation of maize and soybean during kharif on rainfed vertisols. Conserving soil moisture and reducing soil moisture losses during preparatory tillage and sowing of rabi crops is a great challenge for successful crop production on rainfed vertisols. Therefore, present field experiment conducted in kharif and rabi of 2002–03 to 2004–05 at Rajahmundry, to evaluate alternative cropping systems to FCV tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Results revealed that the mean tobacco leaf-equivalent yield (TLEY) of system and net returns were higher by 28.6 and 65.2% in maize (Zea mays L.) based sequences as compared to those in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] based sequences (777 kg/ha and Rs 26,389/ha). Maize based crop sequences recorded significantly higher soil pH and available P, while soybean based crop sequences recorded higher organic C, available N and K. Minimum tillage recorded significantly higher TLEY and net returns than zero tillage. Amongst different rabi crops, fallow-tobacco and sequential tobacco recorded significantly higher TLEY of system and net returns. Among rabi sequential grain crops, highest mean TLEY and net returns were recorded in redgram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] followed by chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). It was concluded that fallow-tobacco is most profitable however; kharif maize with minimum tillage of rabi crops viz. redgram, chickpea and horsegram is next best option in Vertisols of Andhra Pradesh.