Exploration of the cropping pattern based on the irrigation water–energy–food and carbon emission nexus

This study examined the existing cropping patterns, yield, irrigation water and energy use and carbon emission responses to explore the best cropping pattern based on the optimum water–energy–food and carbon emission nexus. The study consisted of field visits, questionnaire surveys among 510 farmers, 10 key informant interviews, one focused group discussion and subsequent analysis of collected data. The result of the research indicated that the best existing cropping pattern was rice–wheat–no crops with a net benefit of USD 491 ha⁻¹, benefit–cost ratio: 1.33, water use: 8830 m³ ha⁻¹, energy use: 43 GJ ha⁻¹ and carbon emission: 2420 kg CO₂-eq ha⁻¹. This study found spring rice to be the most appropriate agricultural commodity in the third season of the crop calendar and rice–wheat–spring rice, as the recommended cropping pattern in the selected area based on maximum production: 13.3 t ha⁻¹, the largest net income: USD 668 ha⁻¹, the highest benefit-cost ratio: 1.27 and the least use of energy 802 GJ ha⁻¹ with release of

3840 kg CO₂-eq ha⁻¹ of carbon. After applying the recommended cropping pattern of this study, there will be significant growth in the benefit per unit use of water and energy and a substantial reduction in carbon emission per tonne of food production.