Effect of spatial arrangement on performance of palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini var. motia)-pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) intercropping on a black cotton soil (Vertisol)

Abstract

Higher dry matter of palmarosa [Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) Wats. var, motia Burk.] and pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and higher yield of the essential oil of palmarosa were obtained during 1989, 1990 and in pooled data. Higher total tonnage was recorded from intercropping of pigeonpea in the intermittent (alternate) rows parallel to palrnarosa. This spatial intercropping system always resulted in higher oil-y~eld equivalent of palmarosa ovei other systems. This system resulted in higher income- P equivalent ratio (IER 1.17). besides higher land-equivalent ratio (LER 1.4) and provided 40% higher biological yields than the monoculture of component crops as well as 20% extra yield compared with the other intercropping systems. Sowing of pigeonpea in alternate rows parallel to palmarosa proved most efficient and economic, as it provided higher economic returns, bonus income and monetary advantage. The oil content and quality in terms of total geraniols of palmarosa were not adversely affected by adoption of intercropping.