Crop and residue management improves productivity and profitability of rice–maize system in salt-affected rainfed lowlands of East India

摘要: This study was conducted over 3 years in a salt-affected coastal rainfed lowland ecosystem. Farmers most commonly grow tall rice varieties the wet season to cope with flash and/or stagnant floods, leading large amounts of residue production. Most land remains fallow during dry because increased salinity and scarcity freshwater for irrigation. The aims provide options increasing cropping intensity through management crop residues (CR) soil salinity, conservation moisture, reduction production cost. rice–maize rotation assessed as main plot (1) puddled transplanted (PTR) CR both maize removed, (2) PTR 40% crops retained, (3) direct-seeded (DSR) (4) DSR retained. Maize supplied different N levels sub-plots—control (0 kg ha−1), 80, 120, 160 ha−1. DSR, when combined retention (DSR + R), reduced salinity. increase grain yield (observed second third years) establishment (higher versus year) 16 24%, respectively. cost by 17% (USD 605 ha−1) compared 518 ha−1). irrigation water requirement 37% 40 ha−1 hybrid maize. When removed (−R), it partially (40%) where 120 similar yields. Available highest under R (314 lowest − (169 also application up (+R) (−R). results hold promise farmers’ incomes, broader implications productivity on about 2.95 million hectares currently rice–fallow system eastern India, areas affected conditions South Southeast Asia.