Time Frame
2002
- 2006 Goal
and objectives
The
goal is to increase the sustainability, yield, resource-use efficiency and profitability of the rice-wheat (RW) systems of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and of the cropping systems in the rice-growing areas of Australia, through improved soil, water and nutrient management using permanent beds. Specific objectives are:
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To undertake preliminary field experiments to evaluate the planting, and water, N, and stubble management options for rice on beds in Punjab (India). |
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To evaluate and compare permanent bed and conventional RW/rice-based cropping systems in Punjab/New South Wales (NSW) (Australia) through medium duration (~3-4 years) field experiments - this will include detailed measurement of crop, water, nutrient and soil physical parameters. |
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To evaluate the effect of stubble management options for permanent bed systems of Punjab for RW and soybean-wheat rotations in field experiments. |
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To evaluate nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen balance in permanent bed systems, through detailed monitoring including 15N studies. |
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To develop and apply models to identify management options for maximizing the productivity of RW cropping systems in the Punjab and IGP, and of rice-based systems in NSW. |
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To determine the economic impacts of RW systems on permanent beds. |
Methodology
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Field experiments on three soils (sandy loam, loam, silty clay) in Punjab, India, and on one soil (clay loam) in southern NSW to understand the factors influencing crop performance on beds in comparison with conventional layouts. |
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Economic analyses of RW systems and other cropping systems on permanent beds vs. conventional layouts in both India and Australia. |
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Small workshops and several visits by Indian scientists to Australia and by Australian scientists to India to exchange information and skills and analyze and interpret findings. |
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Model calibration, validation and improvements to allow for impacts of bed geometry on soil water and N dynamics and light interception; application of models to identify optimum management, and to predict and compare the performance of permanent beds and conventional layouts in a range of agroecological environments. |
Project location(s)
India:
North-west India (Ludhiana);
Australia:
southern NSW (Coleambally)Partners
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