Effect of Maize Based Conservation Agriculture Production Systems (CAPS) Under Tribal Farming Situations of Odisha in India.

Conservation agriculture production systems (CAPS) are an integrated approach to conserving resources, enhancing productivity and sustaining livelihoods for small-scale farmers. We applied this approach to tribal farmers in the Kendujhar district of Odisha, India, where maize (Zea mays L.) is commonly grown.  Selected CAPS included reduced tillage, intercropping of maize with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and management of crop residues from post-harvest cover crops. An on-station experiment was conducted in Kendujhar during June 2011 to March 2012 to estimate the effect of CAPS on crop yield and soil properties. Tillage and intercropping had no significant effect on maize yield (4890 kg ha^‑1) in the first year. The highest maize yield was recorded in maize+cowpea under minimum tillage (5610 kg ha^‑1).  Economic return in case of intercropping was 38% higher than that of sole cropping, across both the tillage types. Though there was no significant effect of CAPS on soil properties in the first experimental year, trends were positive for soil pH, bulk density, and soil carbon.