Effect of moisture conservation and fertility on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) and lentil (Lens culinaris) intercropping system under rainfed conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in the winter season of 2003-04 and 2004-05 to study the effect of inter- cropping, moisture-conservation practices and fertility levels on the growth, yield and N and P uptake of rainfed 'Pusa Barani' lndian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] and 'L 7473' lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus). lndian mustard paired row (30190 cm) + lentil (2 rows) intercropping system proved more productive, as it gave 3.7 qlha extra seed yield of lentil without reducing significantly dry-matter accumulation, yield attributes and the seed yield of lndian mustard. Moisture-conservation practices increased the growth parameters and total N and P uptake. FYM + organic mulch + kaolin spray (6%) increased the seed yield of lndian mustard and lentil by 14.0 and 14.3% respectively. Dry-matter accumulation and yield attributes of lndian mustard and lentil and leaf-area index were recorded significantly higher with 50% and 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). The N and P uptake of lndian mustard and lentil increased significantly with the application of 50% RDF and 100% RDF. The maximum increment in seed yield of lndian mustard and lentil was recorded with 100% fertility level and it was 19.9 and 25.3% higher over the control respectively. The moisture-conservation practice of FYM + organic mulch + kaolin spray (6%) recorded highest water-use efficiency (1 0.1 kglha-mm) over the control. Key words : Intercropping, Moisture conservation, ~ertilit~,Yield, Mustard, Lentil, Water-use efficiency