Effect of intercropping, crop geometry and organic manures on growth and yield of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica)

Abstract

An investigation was conducted at organic research farm, Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to study the effect of intercropping and crop geometry in organic production of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) during winters of 2012-14. Three organic manures (FYM, vermicompost and poultry manure) and two spacings, viz. single row (45×45cm) and paired row (30/60×45cm) were taken in main plot and five intercrops, viz. broccoli (CBH-1), beet leaf (HS-23), coriander (Hisar Bhumit), fenugreek (Hisar Suwarna) and radish (HS-1) including sole crop of broccoli as sub-plot. The trial was replicated thrice. The experimental results revealed that sole crop of broccoli with the application of vermicompost in single row spacing (M2S1C1) recorded minimum days to first and 50% harvesting (56.7), maximum number of leaves (28.4), weight of main head (200.2g), girth of head (15.4cm), number of sprouts/plant (9.8), yield of sprouts/plant (400.9g), yield of sprouts (main head + sprouts)/ plant (601.1g), total yield (296.9 q/ha), plant biomass on fresh (1 661 g) and dry weight basis (149.2 g), of broccoli. While plant height (63.45cm) and yield of intercrops (127.1 q/ha) was recorded maximum with the application of vermicompost in double row spacing (M2S2C5) treatment with radish. Among the intercropped treatments, fenugreek intercropped with broccoli recorded maximum yield (287.7 q/ha) in single row spacing.