FURROW IRRIGATED RAISED BED (FIRB) PLANTING TECHNIQUE FOR DIVERSIFICATION OF RICE-WHEAT SYSTEM FOR WESTERN IGP REGION

Abstract

A field experiment comparing furrow irrigated raised beds and flat beds under irrigated conditions was started in 2009. In bed planting systems,crops are planted on the raised beds in ridgefurrow system. This system is often considered more appropriate for growing high value crops that are more sensitive to temporary water logging stress. Farmers often raise crops such as cabbage, carrot, radish, okra, onion, brinjal, cauliflower, colocasia, turmeric, cotton, maize and wheat on the raised beds. Results shows that system of raised bed planting of crops may be particularly advantageous in areas where groundwater levels are falling. This tillage and crop establishment option also facilitates crop diversification and intercropping of several vegetables. The experimental results indicated that FIRB technique is not only save the resources like water and nutrients and labour but also facilitates the greater diversification of the rice-wheat cropping systems and improve the physical properties of soil.