Ethiopian Mustard–Chickpea Intercropping System is a Viable Option for Yield Advantage in Dryland Condition of North India-Part II

Abstract

Cereal with legume intercropping is common but oilseed and legume crops are not tested in the form of intercropping with a suitable nutrient management and moisture conservation practices. Hence, present study was conducted during 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 in Ethiopian mustard and chickpea intercropping system with moisture conservation practices and different levels of phosphorus and sulphur in order to evaluate the intercropping system and analyze the competition and the interrelationship between component crops than their pure stands. Relative dry matter yield of Ethiopian mustard throughout the growth stages was greater than that of chickpea at all levels of phosphorus and sulphur nutrition. Ethiopian mustard/chickpea intercropping system recorded higher mustard equivalent yield over sole mustard and sole chickpea with the application of moisture conservation and phosphorus and sulphur fertilizer. The relative yield total, relative crowding coefficient, actual yield loss (AYL), and system productivity index values were greater with moisture conservation practices and higher dose of phosphorus and sulphur nutrition indicating an advantage of intercropping. In intercropping, the values of relative crowding coefficient, AYL, aggressivity, and competitive ratio indicated that the Ethiopian mustard was more competitive than chickpea. This study suggests that Ethiopian mustard/chickpea intercropping system was more productive and profitable with phosphorus and sulphur nutrition if proper moisture conservation practice could be adopted by the farmers as alternative options under moisture scarce conditions.