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 m anagement practices on soil organic carbon conservation on crop productivit y and soil fertility in rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) cropping system. Higher system productivity of 9.30 t onnes/ha was recorded when 20 kg N/ha was applied in addition to recommende d dose of N at Kanpur, while application of recommended dose of N along wit h 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 s oil but also improved the soil fertility under rice-wheat system at both th e locations.