Management influence on maize–wheat system performance, water productivity and soil biology

Cereal cropping productivity in the Indo‐Gangetic Plain ( IGP ) of India is declining, which may be overcome by diversification, alternate crop establishment methods and mulching. This study was conducted to determine whether no‐till flat ( NTF ), permanent raised beds ( PRB ) and nontraditional ex situ mulching would improve crop and water productivity, economic profitability and soil biological properties in an irrigated maize ( Zea mays )–wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) system ( MWS ). NTF systems produced 10% higher economic net returns compared with PRB s. Non‐traditional mulching ( Sesbania, Jatropha and Brassica) increased yields by >10% and net returns by >12% compared with no‐mulch. The water saving in PRB s compared with NTF systems was 79, 94 and 173 mm/ha in maize, wheat and MWS , respectively. PRB s saved 29.2% of irrigation water and improved the MWS irrigation water productivity ( WP I ) by 24.5% over NTF . On average, mulching saved 23.8 mm/ha irrigation water over no‐mulch and improved WP I by 12.0%. PRB s with ex situ mulching produced wheat and maize equivalent system yields lower than NTF but improved WP I and soil biological properties. Jatropha and Sesbania mulching improved yield, water saving, WP I and system profitability. In limited irrigation and no crop residue availability conditions, Sesbania, Jatropha and Brassica vegetation material have potential applications for ex situ mulching under PRB s for water saving and NTF for productivity.