Potassium Management under Different Crop Establishment Methods for Improving the Productivity of the Rice (Oryza sativa L.)—Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cropping System: A Review

Abstract

A population of over 150 million in South Asia, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, relies on the rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) as the source of their food and means of livelihood. Despite being a necessity of the Green Revolution, problems such as yield stagnation, soil erosion, groundwater depletion, and burning residue pollution are currently straining its long-term sustainability. Traditional practices like puddled transplanted rice followed by conventionally tilled wheat have further strained soil health and increased resource use. Potassium (K), the third most important nutrient after nitrogen and phosphorus, is vital for maintaining crop productivity, yet its use in India remains low. Continuous high crop uptake without adequate replenishment has led to a negative K balance, depleting soil fertility over time. To address this, resource-conserving technologies—such as zero tillage, direct-seeded rice, mechanical transplanting, and crop residue recycling—combined with potassium management can play a key role in restoring soil nutrient pools. Moreover, adopting alternative sources like potassium-solubilizing bacteria and organic amendments (vermicompost, crop residues) can improve potassium availability while reducing dependence on costly imported fertilizers. Integrated potassium management across different crop establishment methods not only improves soil properties but also ensures sustainable productivity and profitability of the RWCS. By embracing these practices, farmers can overcome stagnating yields, preserve soil health, and reduce environmental risks, thereby strengthening the resilience and future of this vital cropping system in South Asia. Keywords: Cropping system, economics, food security, soil health, groundwater, zero tillage, crop residue, insect and pest resistance, potassium management.