Response of Intercropping and Integrated Nutrition on Production Potential and Profitability on Rainfed Pigeonpea

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season 2008-09 and 2009-10 to evaluate the response of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]+blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) intercropping system to integrated nutrient levels. Intercropping failed to influence the dry matter production/plant, CEC of roots, root N content, yield and quality parameters of both crops. Both the intercropping system gives significantly higher uptake of N, P and K when compared to sole pigeonpea. The available soil N, P, K after harvest of crop (s) was maximum observed under sole pigeonpea followed by normal intercropping and lowest inpaired intercropping. Application of 100% RDF+50% RDN+5 kg Zn/ha significantly increased the dry matter production/plant, CEC of roots, root N content, grain yield, protein content, protein harvest (kg/ha) and nutrient uptake (NPKS and Zn) in pigeonpea and black gram cropping system. Integrated use 100% RDF with 50% RDN and 5 kg Zn/ha also significantly improved the available N, P and K soil after harvest during both the years. The maximum net return (Rs. 117010) was obtained with combination of normal intercropping system+100% RDF+50% RDN+5 kg Zn/ha followed by normal intercropping system+50% RDF+100% RDN+5 kg Zn/ha (Rs. 115102).