A field experiment was conducted at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India, for three consecutive years (2000/01-2002/03) to determine the efficient cropping system for irrigated conditions of southwest Haryana. Among the cropping systems evaluated, pearl millet (cv. HHB-67)-potato (cv. Kufri Bahar)-green gram (cv. MH 85-111) was identified as the most efficient system, showing the highest total equivalent yield (14344 kg/ha), gross return (Rs. 93 910/ha), net return (Rs. 47 965/ha), energy equivalent (50585 Kcal * 1000/ha) and system productivity (55.17). The highest land use efficiency (93.15) and risk factor (Rs. 7898/ha) were found in soyabean (cv. PK 472)-wheat (cv. PBW343)-cowpea fodder cropping system. The maximum benefit:cost ratio (2.48) and system index (0.85) were recorded in sorghum fodder (cv. HC-71)-wheat. Positive nutrient balance of 607.7 kg/ha was recorded only in the pearl millet-potato-green gram cropping system, and it was negative in all other systems though it was minimum in cotton-wheat and pearl millet-wheat. There was no change in the pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon content in the soil. Available N decreased in soyabean-wheat-cowpea (F) and pearlmillet-fieldpea-maize (F). Available P also decreased in the pearl millet-fieldpea-maize (F) and pearl millet-potato-green gram. The decrease in K content was relatively higher in the pearl millet-wheat, soyabean-wheat-cowpea (F) and cotton-wheat cropping systems as compared to initial soil fertility status.
