Effect of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Management on Productivity, Cost Economics and Energy Use Efficiency in Sesame

Field experiments were carried out to assess the soil physicochemical properties, yield, quality, energy use and profit analysis of sesame and under organic vis-à-vis conventional production systems for three consecutive seasons. The soil organic C, available N, P, K and micronutrients recorded a slight rise in the organic production system over three seasons. The mean total energy input expended in the production of sesame using organic inputs was much lower (3,586.9 MJ ha-1) compared to that with inorganic fertilizers (5,156.3 MJ ha-1). Manures/Fertilizers and diesel inputs dominated the total energy inputs for both the production systems. However, the energy output obtained was higher in the inorganic production system (12,000 MJ) than in organic production system (9,375 MJ). The cost of cultivation of sesame was Rs. 12807 ha-1 and Rs. 16413 ha-1 under inorganic and organic farming, respectively. Organic sesame yield was about 22 per cent less compared to inorganic production system. At least 40% price premium for organic sesame may be required to offset the higher cost of cultivation and low yields under organic production system compared with inorganic production system especially during initial years. Renewable energy input utilization was higher (66 %) in organic than in inorganic production systems (13%). Energy efficiency and productivity was higher in organic than inorganic sesame production system by 12 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively. Since, the organic production system is more energy efficient and it is recommended that sesame production under organic farming should be encouraged for environmental and economic sustainability.