Study of crop geometry, intercropping systems and nutrient management practices on weed density and yield in baby corn based intercropping systems

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during Kharif 2002 and summer 2003. The experimental soil was sandy clay loam with alkaline pH. The experiments were laid out in split plot design with three replications. The main pot consisted of two factors viz., crop geometry [45 x 25 cm (S_{1}) and 60 * 19 cm (S_{2}) | and intercropping systems [baby corn alone (C_{1}) baby corn + radish (C_{2}) and baby corn + coriander (C_{p}) ] Four integrated nutrient management practices ( N, - 100% of the recommended dose of NPK (150:60:40 kg ha) of baby corn; N_{2} - 50% NPK of baby corn + FYM + Azospirillum + Phosphobacteria; N_{2} - 50% NPK of baby corn + Poultry manure + Azospirillum + Phosphobacteria; N_{4} - 50% NPK of baby corn + Goat manure + Azospirillum + Phosphobacterial were assigned to sub plots. The experimental results revealed that weed population and weed DMP were higher with S_{2} than S i* Sole crop situation resulted higher weed population and weed DMP than intercropped baby corn. Baby corn with inorganic fertilizer recorded the lowest weed population and weed DMP than INM treated baby corn. The results were reverse for Weed Smothering Efficiency. Green cob yield of baby corn was higher (7976 and 7519 kg h * x ^ - 1 ) with S * than S_{r} Intercropping systems failed to influence the green cob yield. Combined use of a half NPK with poultry or goat manures along with bio-fertilizers (Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria) has produced significantly higher baby corn yield as compared to N, and N_{t} during both the seasons.