Productivity and profitability of winter-initiated sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) ratoon through intercropping of forage legumes and nitrogen nutrition

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during 2000-01 and 2001 -02 at Lucknow to study the effect of berseem [Trifolium alexandrinum (L) Juslen.] and senji (Melilotus sp. ) intercropping on growth, yield and quality of winter-initiated ratoon of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. complex hybrid). Intercropping of berseem in winter-initiated sugarcane ratoon significantly increased the number of millable canes (117.8 thousand/ha), cane yield (72.4 t/ha), cane-equivalent yield (90.81 t/ha) and commercial cane sugar (8.81 t/ha) compared with sole cropping (7.66 t/ha). The cane yield, cane-equivalent yield and sugar yield increased significantly with increase in N level in sugarcane + berseem and sugarcane + senji intercropping systems. Early-maturing, high-sugar variety 'CoS 687' sugarcane yielded higher (63.1 t/ha) under berseem intercropping system than sole cropping (54.7 t/ha). Application of 125% of the recommended N fetched the highest net income (Rs 60,041/ha) and B:C ratio (2.76). Highest profit of Rs 71,570/ha and B:C ratio of 3.13 were recorded under sugarcane ratoon + berseem intercropping system along with 125% N of the recommended dose. Intercropping of berseem and senji improved the physical properties of the soil by increasing the infiltration rate (4.82 mm/hr) and reducing the bulk density (1.26 g/cm3).