The Quantitative Evaluation of Output Efficiency in Different Cropping Patterns

Quantitative indexes such as land equivalent ratio, yield equivalent and value of output equivalent were used to evaluate output efficiencies of different cropping patterns, i.e., sequential cropping, intercrops and crop rotation. Compared to single cropping, land use efficiencies under sequential cropping, intercrops and crop rotation were raised by 62, 38 and 21%, respectively. The unit area yield under sequential cropping, intercrops and crop rotation were raised by 63, 29 and 16%, respectively. The unit area value was also enhanced under sequential cropping and intercrops, 76 and 35% higher than that under single cropping. The paper provides a useful tool for comparing farm output efficiency and build up a theoretical basis for further research on output efficiency of various cropping patterns in the future.