Conservation of organic carbon in relation to crop productivity, yield stability and soil fertility under rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted for 6 years at Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and 7 years at R.S. Pura, Jammu and Kashmir, to study the effect of different management practices on soil organic carbon conservation on crop productivity and soil fertility in rice (Oryza sativa L)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) cropping system. Higher system productivity of 9.30 tonnes/ha was recorded when 20 kg N/ha was applied in addition to recommended dose of N at Kanpur, while application of recommended dose of N along with 5 tonnes FYM/ha in rainy season (kharif) gave greater system productivity of 8.49 tonnes/ha at R.S. Pura. The different management practices of soil organic carbon conservation not only increased the organic carbon in the soil but also improved the soil fertility under rice-wheat system at both the locations.