Evaluation of cultural practices in a sprinkler irrigated agricultural production system

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during 1991/93, under central pivot irrigation system, in order to study the effects of three soil preparation methods (harrowing, moldboard ploughing, and no-tillage), two fertilizer levels (used by farmers and based on soil analysis), and two crops, rice (Oryza sativa L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) on the grain yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) planted in succession. Additionaly, the effect of soil preparation methods on rice and corn grain yields and the economic analysis of the three crop production systems were studied. No-tillage treatment presented the lowest production cost and showed an overall negative effect on rice and corn yields and a positive effect on bean yield in the third year of cultivation. Corn has proved to be the best alternative for rotation with common bean. Production cost of common bean was the highest followed by corn and rice. Both fertilization methods did not influence bean yield but when fertilization was based on soil analysis, it resulted in lower production cost, providing greater efficiency of the agricultural production system. Seed was the main component influencing common bean production cost whereas for corn and rice it was fertilization.