Mustard Intercropping System Research Articles

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum)-based intercropping systems in Rajasthan’s Hadoti region: Productivity and economic viability

A study was carried out during three successive winter (rabi) seasons (2018–19 to 2020–21) at the Agricultural Research Station in Ummedganj, Kota, Rajasthan to determine the productivity and economic viability of intercropping systems based on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan. Nine various chickpeabased intercropping systems, viz. Sole chickpea; Sole linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.); Sole coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.); Sole wheat (Triticum aestivum L.); Sole mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.]; Chickpea + linseed (6:2); Chickpea + coriander (6:2); Chickpea + wheat (6:2); and Chickpea + mustard (6:2) were investigated in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. According to combined statistics, the chickpea + mustard intercropping system had the highest chickpea grain yield and equivalent yield (1,865 kg/ha and 2,574 kg/ ha, respectively) when compared to all other intercropping systems. Results of competitive indices revealed that compared to rest of the intercropping system, chickpea + mustard (6:2) recorded significantly higher LER (1.25), MAI (18,462) and SPI (2912 kg/ha), while the lowest land equivalent ratio (LER), monetary advantage index (MAI), system productivity index (SPI) and production efficiency (PE) were recorded in the chickpea + wheat intercropping system. The chickpea + mustard intercropping system yielded values of competition ratio (3.56), aggressivity (-0.05), system profitability index (2912), relative crowding coefficient (13.2), and area time equivalent ratio (1.24), that were sustainable and producible in comparison to other treatments. In terms of economics, compared to all other intercropping and solo crops, the chickpea + mustard intercropping system yielded the chickpea’s most significant net returns (`93,681/ha) and benefit cost (B:C) ratio (3.11). So, for south-eastern Rajasthan, the mustard and chickpea intercropping system is a productive and sustainable system.

Effect of Row Ratio on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Mustard (Brassica nigra) Intercropping System

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) on the topic “Effect of row ratio on growth and yield of wheat and mustard intercropping system”. To study treatments consisting with row Proportions with wheat and mustard intercropping. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 8.0), low in organic carbon (0.28 %), available N (225 kg/ha), available P (19.50 kg/ha) and available K (92 kg/ha). There were 8 treatments each being replicated thrice and laid out in Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that treatment 1 (Sole wheat cropping) recorded significantly higher Plant height (89.4 cm), plant dry weight (16.15 g), number of effective tillers/m2 (634.01), number of grains/spike (52.80), grain yield (4.02 t/ha), straw yield (6.73 t/ha) of wheat and treatment 2 (Sole mustard cropping) recorded significant and higher Plant height (120.50 cm), plant dry weight (34.18 g), number of siliqua/plant (210.47), number of seeds/siliqua (22.90), test weight (3.66 g), seed yield (1.27 t/ha), stover yield (2.65 t/ha) and Harvest index (32.33 %) in mustard.

Assessment of Intercropping Systems and Nitrogen Levels on Nutrient Balance and Yield of Crops Under Irrigated Condition in Western Zone of Tamil Nadu

ABSTRACT An efficient inter cropping system needs to be identified for realizing the higher system productivity, profitability for the benefit of resource-poor farmers, especially in developing countries. Keeping this as motivation, field experiments were conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, during rabi season to assess the influence of intercropping systems and nitrogen levels on nutrient balance sheet and yield of component crops under irrigated condition for two years. The treatments in the main plot consisted of five intercropping systems viz. coriander, mustard, bengal gram, coriander + mustard, bengal gram + mustard, while subplot consisted of three different levels of nitrogen viz. 0 kg N ha−1 (control), 20 kg ha−1 and 40 kg N ha−1 under split plot design with three replications. Higher uptake of N, P and K with lower nutrient balance was observed with mustard while lower nutrient uptake and higher nutrient balance were recorded with coriander. Application of 40 kg N ha−1 registered higher post-harvest soil available nutrients over lower levels of N application. Higher yield in terms of mustard equivalent was observed with sole coriander (1402 kg ha−1). Among the intercropping systems, significantly higher mustard equivalent (1227 kg ha−1) was observed in coriander + mustard intercropping systems in 2:1 ratio than in bengal gram + mustard intercropping system. Hence, intercropping of coriander with mustard in 2:1 ratio is better for realizing higher system productivity and economic returns.

Influence of Irrigation Scheduling on Productivity of Wheat + Mustard Intercropping System

Influence of Irrigation Scheduling on Productivity of Wheat + Mustard Intercropping System

Yield Analysis of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) with Mustard (Brassaca juncea) Intercropping System as Influenced by Weed Management Practices

Background: Intercropping is the more profitable cropping system in Agriculture for marginal hold farmers. In this system risk cover in abiotic stress and farmers have gain one crop mostly who are using herbicide to control weeds. Crops raise fast and with controlled weeds. Scientific approach of intercropping increases the productivity per unit area and per unit time under a situation where two crops are grown in a certain row proportion. The selection of compatible crops is one of the important considerations, in deciding economically viable and feasible intercropping system. Chickpea with mustard is a prominent intercropping system in Indian subcontinent. The majority of the farmers adopt this system under recourse constraint conditions. Since Chickpea is a poor competitor for weeds because of its slow growth and limited leaf area development at early stages of crops growth and establishment.Methods: An experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture Farm Gwalior during Rabi season of 2011-12 and 2012-13. The experiment was laid out in Split-Plot Design with three replications. Eighteen treatment combinations comprising three intercropping systems, viz, chickpea (sole), mustard (sole) and chickpea with mustard were taken as main plot treatments and six weed management practices viz, weedy-check, weed free, fluchloralin@ 1.0kg/ha pre-plant incorporation (PPI), pendimethalin @ 1 kg/ha as pre-emergene, (PE), Isoproturon 0.75 kg/ha as post emergence (POE) and quizalofop -ethyl @50 ml/ha (PoE) as sub plot treatments. The recommended dose of fertilizer in chickpea 18 kg/ha of nitrogen and 46 kg/ha of P2O5 were applied with equal distribution to both the crops through 100 kg /ha diammonium phosphate as basal application at the time of sowing in rows below the seed. A seed rate of 70 kg and 5 kg/ha for chickpea and mustard was used in their sole crops respectively. Result: Chickpea with mustard intercropping system proved to be the most promising system which obtained more net returns and benefit: cost ratio. So for realizing higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio, chickpea with mustard may be recommended to farmers who are interested in taking both the crops instead of their pure stands as it proved to be economically better and feasible in generating more monetary benefits by spending fewer amounts for their better lively hood security as well as land use efficiency.

Effect of mustard on growth attributes and production of chickpea under varying fertility levels and row ratios in chickpea +mustard intercropping system

Most of the developing & densely populated countries struggle with the major challenge of meeting food & nutritional requirements for the exponentially rising population. Apart from feeding huge population, our country also faces the issue of land fragmentation which limits the scope of farm automation & mechanization that plays a key role in cost reduction, optimization of input resources and obtaining higher yields. Therefore, to improve the land use efficiency and obtain higher returns, we are left with the option to intensify crop cultivation during a given cropping season. Chickpea and Mustard are the major rabi season crops which differ in their growth habits and can be grown synergistically with each other in intercropping system. Cultivation of these energy rich crops in rainfed areas is one of the major constraints in achieving their yield potential. Numerous researchers cover the theory and mechanisms of yield stability in intercropping. Willey (1979a) clearly and evidently proposed that intercropping gives higher yields in a given season and greater stability of yields in different seasons compared with sole cropping. However, a little work has been done on chickpea+mustard intercropping system and information related to their comparative performance and sustainability along with beneficial effect of varying levels of inorganic and organic nutrients is lacking, which might be helpful in adopting this intercropping system under resource constraint areas. Keeping the foregoing facts, an investigation was undertaken on “Population Compatibility and Nutrient Management Strategies in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) +Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Intercropping Systems” at “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology”, Meerut (U.P.) during rabi season 2017-18, to optimize planting geometry and devise effective nutrient management strategies. The proposed investigation aims at realizing self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseed production through bridging-up technological gaps. The experimental soil was sandy loam in texture with low available nitrogen (219.3 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorus (16.9 kg ha-1) & potassium (245.3 kg ha-1). Twenty treatments consisting of combinations of 04 intercropping systems viz., Chickpea+mustard in 3:1 and 4:1 row ratio and both in additive and replacement series and 05 nutrient management options viz., recommended dose (RD) to chickpea and mustard both (N1), N1 + biofertilizers (N2), N2 +FYM (N3), N1 but mustard with 150% RD (N4) and N4 with biofertilizers (N5) along with sole stand of component crops tested in RBD with 3 replications. Recommended doses were 100 kg DAP +20kg S ha-1 for chickpea and 120 kg N +40 kg P2O5+20 kg S for mustard. Nutrient application to mustard was made as per plant population against sole cropping. Chickpea seeds were inoculated with Rhizobium and mustard with Azotobacter with soil application PSB. The results revealed that chickpea performed individually better in sole stands than intercropping systems. With an exception to plant height, all other growth parameters of chickpea viz., number of branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation, number of nodules plant-1, dry weight of nodules, grain & straw yield were maximum in sole chickpea cropping. A reverse trend was however noted in mustard except for plant height. Nutrient management options had significant effect on performance of component crops being best in chickpea with incorporation of FYM + RDF to component crops along with chickpea inoculation with Rhizobium & mustard inoculation with Azotobacter + soil application of Phosphorous solubilising bacteria.

Effect of different row ratios and nutrient management strategies on growth, yield and quality of mustard in chickpea + mustard intercropping system

Chickpea + mustard is a prominent intercropping system of Indian sub continent under resource constraint conditions. The population ratio and nutrient management strategies have significant bearing on the performance and economic feasibility of component crops in mixed stands. An investigation was therefore undertaken on “Population Compatibility and Nutrient Management Strategies in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) +Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Intercropping Systems” at “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology”, Meerut (U.P.) during rabi season 2017-18, to optimize planting geometry and devise effective nutrient management options. The experiment plot soil was sandy loam in texture with low organic carbon & available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus & potassium with slightly alkaline pH. Twenty treatments consisting of combinations of 04 intercropping systems viz., Chickpea + mustard in 3:1 and 4:1 row ratio and both in additive and replacement series and 05 nutrient management options viz., recommended dose (RD) to chickpea and mustard both (N1), N1 + biofertilizers (N2), N2 +FYM (N3), N1 but mustard with 150% RD (N4) and N4 with biofertilizers (N5) along with sole stand of component crops tested in RBD with 3 replications. Recommended doses were 100 kg DAP +20kg S ha-1 for chickpea and 120 kg N +40 kg P2O5+20 kg S for mustard. Nutrient application to mustard was made as per plant population against sole cropping. Chickpea seeds were inoculated with Rhizobium and mustard with Azotobacter while PSB was soil applied. The results revealed that except plant height all other growth parameters of mustard viz., number of branches, dry matter accumulation, yield attributes like number of seeds siliqua-1, number of siliqua plant-1 and yield were maximum in intercropping. A reverse trend was however noted in chickpea except for plant height. Nutrient management options had significant effect on performance of component crops being best in chickpea with recommended dose of nitrogen to component crops along with biofertilizers & FYM and mustard gave its best when its recommended dose was enhanced to 150% along with biofertilizers. Thus, chickpea yields got reduced under intercropping but mustard as intercrop not only compensated the chickpea yield losses but also gave additional yields and returns. Mustard raised in 4:1 additive series with chickpea proved to be remunerative with application of 100 kg DAP +20kg S ha-1 to chickpea + Rhizobium inoculation and 30 kg N, 10 kg P2O5& 5kg S ha-1 to mustard +Azotobacter inoculation along with soil application of PSB. Chickpea + mustard is a prominent intercropping system of Indian sub continent under resource constraint conditions.

Enhancing the productivity of wheat + mustard intercropping system with different row proportions and nutrient management practices

The effect of row ratios and nutrient management practices in wheat-mustard intercropping system was studiedto optimize row ratio and nutrient management practice. Intercropping system wheat + mustard in 5:1 row proportion with 125% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) recorded significantly higher seed yield, land equivalent ratio, area time equivalent ratio and net returns.

Study of physiological growth indices of chickpea in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) + mustard (Brassica juncea) intercropping system under different weed management practices

The field experiments were carried out during rabi season of 2009-10 and 2010-11 at the Research Farm of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Chatha to assess the physiological growth indices in chickpea+mustard intercropping system under different weed management practices. The significant superiority of replacement series treatment for leaf area index of chickpea over additive series treatment was noticed. The crop of sole chickpea was followed by replacement and additive series treatments in recording highest dry matter, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate values. Sole stand of chickpea recorded numerically higher relative growth rate (RGR) followed by replacement and additive series treatments. Weed free treatment recorded numerically the highest crop growth rate (CGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) of chickpea at all the stages of observation. Sole chickpea produced higher yield as compared to chickpea+mustard when grown in additive and replacement series in the respective order.

Study of physiological growth indices of mustard in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) + mustard (Brassica juncea) intercropping system under different weed management practices

A field experiment was carried out during rabi seasons of 2009-10 and 2010-11 at the Research Farm of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Chatha, Jammu to assess the physiological growth indices in chickpea+mustard intercropping system under different weed management practices. The significant superiority of replacement series treatment for leaf area index of mustard over additive series treatment was noticed. The sole crop of mustard was followed by replacement and additive series treatments in recording highest dry matter, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate values. Sole stand of mustard recorded numerically higher relative growth rate (RGR) followed by replacement and additive series treatments. Weed free treatment recorded numerically highest crop growth rate (CGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) of mustard at all the stages of observation. As regards yield, sole stand recorded significantly higher values of grain and was followed by additive and replacement series which in turn were differed significantly from one another in chickpea+mustard intercropping system.

Growth dynamics and nutrient content of winter maize(Zea maysL.)-based intercropping systems in relation to integrated nitrogen management under Indo-Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh

Afield experiment was carried out for two consecutive winter (rabi) seasons of2013-14 and 2014–15 at Kanpur, India to find out the effect of integrated nitrogen management (INM) on growth dynamics and nutrient content of winter maize (Zea mays L.) intercropped with potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), Indian mustard [Brassicajuncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] and linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) for Indo-Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh. The experiment consisted of three intercropping systems (maize + potato, maize + mustard and maize + linseed grown in 3: 1 row ratio) and three INM practices, viz. 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (100% RDN), 75% RDN through inorganics + 25% RDN through organics (75 + 25% RDN), and 50% RDN through inorganics + 50% RDN through organics (50 + 50% RDN) along with sole cropping of maize, potato, mustard and linseed. Results revealed that dry matter accumulation increased progressively due to each crop growth stage. Maize + potato (3: 1) intercropping system resulted in the highest dry matter accumulation plant−1 throughout the crop growth, followed by maize + linseed (3: 1). Amongst different INM practices, treatment with 75 + 25% RDN revealed the maximum dry matter accumulation plant−1 and plant height. Maize + potato intercropping system exhibited higher absolute growth rate (AGR) and crop growth rate (CGR) during all the stages of crop growth, followed by maize + linseed system. Maize + potato also recorded higher relative growth rate (RGR) throughout the crop growth, except between 90 to 120 days after sowing (DAS). Maize+mustard intercropping system recorded lesser values of AGR, CGR and RGR throughout the crop period. INM practices improved the AGR and CGR but RGR was improved during later growth stages (120 days onwards) only. Application of 75 + 25% RDN recorded higher values of AGR and CGR. This treatment (75 + 25% RDN) also improved the RGR up to 90 DAS but between 90 to 120 DAS application of 75 + 25% RDN lowered RGR as compared to 100% RDN; however RGR further improved during later growth stages (120 days onwards) due to application of 75 + 25% RDN. Application of 50 + 50% RDN recorded minimum values of these growth indices. Correlation studies indicated significant positive correlation of seed yield with DMA, AGR, CGR and RGR as well as combinations of most of the growth stages, except RGR 90–120 DAS, emphasizing the importance of higher growth rate during grand growth period for best yield accrual in winter maize.

Yield attributes, yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum) + compact mustard (Brassica juncea) intercropping under 5:1 row proportion in relation to fertility levels and seeding densities of two wheat varieties

A two-year field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2005–06 and 2006–07 at Varanasi on wheat + compact-mustard intercropping in 5:1 row proportion. The treatments involved three fertilizer doses, i e 100%, 120% and 140% of recommended NPK to wheat accompanied with 100% recommended NPK to mustard; two wheat varieties (HD 2824 and HUW 468) and three seed rates of wheat (100 kg, 115 kg and 130 kg/ha). Increasing fertilizer doses from 100% to 140% RFD applied to wheat accompanied with 100% RFD to mustard exhibited marked increase in yield-attributing characters, grain yield and straw yield. Application of 120 and 140% RFD recorded 6.4 and 10.2% higher LER respectively than 100% RFD. Similar trend was observed for RCC, AYL, IA, net returns and monetary advantage. Conversely, all the fertility levels didn't cause any significant variation on yield attributes, yield, LER, AYL and monetary returns of intercrop mustard. The wheat variety HIV 2824 showed distinct superiority over HUW 468 with respect to spikes/m, test weight, grain yield/m, grain yield, straw yield, LER, RCC, net returns and monetary advantage in wheat + mustard intercropping system. Increasing wheat seed rates from 100 to 130 kg/ha reduced the average spike length, test weight and harvest index though the differences being significant only between lowest and highest seed rates. However, increasing wheat seed rates up to highest level resulted in lucid improvement of spikes/m, grain yield/m, grain yield, LER, RCC, net returns and monetary advantage. However, the reverse trend was noticed for AYL and 1A.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Application in Chickpea+Mustard Intercropping System in the Semi‐arid Tropics of North India

Chickpea+mustard is a prominent intercropping system in Indian sub continent. The majority of the farmers adopt this system under resource constraint conditions. The integrated applications of fertilizers with organic compost and biofertilizers are considered essential for the sustainability of a system. Looking to lack of information on this aspect, a study was undertaken on ‘Typic Ustochrept’ soils found commonly in the North Plain Zone of India. Results revealed that integrated nutrient application (INA) [50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)+FYM at 5 t ha−1+biofertilizers (Rhizobium+PSB)] significantly enhanced average plant height, crop biomass, leaf area index, number and dry weight of root nodules of chickpea and plant height and crop biomass in mustard as compared to control. INA also produced significantly more grain and biological yield of chickpea and mustard and more chickpea equivalent yield (2664 kg ha−1) and net return (US $617 ha−1) as compared to control grown under intercropping system. INA also significantly increased the NPK content in shoot and grain of chickpea and mustard as compared to control causing significantly higher total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in chickpea and mustard. This treatment also made available more nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the soil after the harvest of crop in comparison to chickpea+mustard intercropping system under moisture stress conditions.

Integrated weed management in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) + mustard (Brassica juncea) intercropping system under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was carried out during 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 at the Indian Institute of Pulses Re- search, Kanpur, to study the integrated weed-management techniques in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) + mus- tard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] intercropping system under rainfed conditions. Integrated use of her- bicide along with mechanical and cultural methods of weed management not only reduced the density and bio- mass of weeds but also increased crop productivity. Application of pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i.1ha + 1 hand- weeding at 45 days after sowing gave maximum chickpea equivalent yield (27.83 qlha), net return (Rs 20,4341 ha) and benefit : cost ratio (2.30) on pooled basis. Application of metolachlor also proved superior in reducing the weed density and increasing yield and returns in chickpea + mustard intercropping system.

Enhancing productivity and profitability of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) + Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) intercropping system

A field experiment was carried out during 1998-99 to 2000-01 at the lndian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, to study the genotypic compatibility in kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and lndian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czerpj. & Cosson] in chickpea + lndian mustard intercropping system. Sole crop of chickpea cv. 'BG 1003' recorded significantly highest growth and yield attributes than the other genotypes of chickpea. Among the various intercropping systems, 'BG 1003' chickpea + 'Vardan' lndian mustard recorded significantly highest growth and yield attributes of chickpea and lndian mustard than the other intercropping systems. However, high- est 100-seed weight of chickpea was recorded in chickpea 'KAK 2' in chickpea + 'Vardan' lndian mustard inter- cropping system at 6:2 row ratio. Yield reduction of chickpea was recorded higher in lndian mustard genotypes of 'Varuna' than 'Vardan'. Significantly higher chickpea-equivalent yield, land-equivalent ratio (LER), net returns and benefit : cost ratio (B:C ratio) were recorded in 'BG 1003' + 'Vardan' intercropping system than the other in- tercropping system. Higher seed yield of component crops in intercropping system showed complimentary rela- tionship which resulted in higher chickpea-equivalent yield. Key words : Genotypic compatibility, Competition, Chickpea + lndian mustard intercropping