Ecosystem services from smallholder dairy based integrated farming system vis-a-vis double cropping
D. R. Palsaniya, Sunil Kumar, M. M. Das, Sunil Kumar, Manoj Chaudhary, Khem Chand, S.K. Rai, Akram Ahmed, Sunil Kumar, C. S. Sahay
Abstract
The focus toward specialized double cropping in the recent past and the resultant stagnant farm productivity, natural resource degradation, improper by-product recycling, and declining resource use efficiency warranted renewed efforts toward dairy-based integrated farming systems (IFS) approach. The small holder dairy-based integrated farming system (IFS) under present study resulted in production of 323% more wheat equivalent yield (27358 kg ha−1) and diverse provisioning services (grains, fruits, straw, green fodder, milk) as compared to groundnut–wheat double cropping system. The dairy-based IFS generated 82.7% more net return (2501 US$ ha−1year−1) with 1.52 benefit cost ratio, resulted in uniform distribution of income throughout the year (US$ 529 to 909 every month) and generated 251% more employment (418 man-days ha−1year−1) than double cropping. It provided regulating services in the form of improved soil fertility (19% more soil organic carbon), enhanced saturated infiltration capacity, higher carbon sequestration (552%) and was more dependent on indirect and renewable energy sources. The dairy-based IFS recorded more soil biodiversity (earthworm, fungal, and bacterial count) and better nutrient (100 Kg N, 45 Kg P, and 80 Kg K ha−1 year−1), and by-product recycling (20.4 tonnes farm yard manure and 1.98 tonnes farm-compost) vis-a-vis double cropping system (supporting services) besides providing many cultural services. The study concluded that systems transformation through greater crops-livestock integration provides number of provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services, and leads to sustainable food systems.