Maximizing Nitrogen and Land Use Efficiencies of Intercropped Wheat with Pea Under Different Pea Sowing Dates

Abstract

A two – year field trial was conducted with intercropped pea + wheat and sole crops to decrease nitrogen (N) inputs of wheat crop by intercropping with pea and increase farmer's benefit. Average yield of pea + wheat intercrops was greater by growing wheat after 45 days from pea sowing. Application of mineral N fertilizer doses increased grain yield of intercropped wheat, but had non-significant effect on intercropped green pod yield of pea. Land equivalent ratio (LER) and land equivalent coefficient (LEC) values for intercrops were much greater than 1.00 and 0.25, respectively, indicating less land requirements of intercropping systems than sole wheat. As a result of intercropping; yield, N uptake and net returns were improved in intercropped wheat with pea, suggesting the potential of intercropped wheat was increased compared to those of sole wheat.