Five models of lntegrated Farming Systems (IFS) were examined at Kovilpatti in Tamil Nadu during 2003, 2004 and 2005 to identify a superior model for attaining maximum net returns and benefit : cost ratio, and for employ- ment generation and improving soil fertility in a semi-arid vertic inceptisols. The different IFS models assessed were: (A) conventional cropping; (B) crop + poultry (20) + goat (4); (C) crop + poultry (20) + goat (4) + dairy (1); (D) crop + poultry (20) + goat (4) + sheep (6); and (E) crop + poultry (20) + goat (4) + sheep (6) + dairy (1). Among the models examined, model (E) recorded a maximum net income of Rs 17,598/halyear, with maximum employment generation (389 mandaysthatyear). It also recorded maximum organic C (0.35%), available soil N (134 kgtha), soil P (8.5 kgtha) and soil K (378 kgtha) at the end of the study. It was followed by model C, with a net income of Rs 14,208lhdyear and employment generation of 343 mandaysthdyear. Based on the sustainability index derived for different models, the model E was found superior with a maximum sustainability for net returns (65.3%) and for employment generation (79.9%), apart from increase in soil fertility.
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SOLAIAPPAN et al. (2001) studied this question.