Row Proportions Research Articles

Evaluating the Influence of Legume and Cereal Intercropping on Bt Cotton Traits in Rainfed Conditions

This study investigates how various intercropping systems involving cereals and legumes affect the phenotypic characteristics of Bt cotton. Understanding that intercropping can improve agricultural sustainability and production, we grew Bt cotton alongside various cereal and leguminous crops in several field tests. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different cotton based intercropping systems under rainfed conditions on important phenotypic characteristics of cotton, including dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and boll weight in black calcareous soil under rainfed conditions. The experiment conducted at Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat during kharif 2022-23 and 2023-24 with randomized block design with fifteen treatments, involving sole and intercropping systems of groundnut, sunflower, pearl millet, maize and soybean with cotton in 1:1 row proportion. According to our research, intercropping legumes like green gram, black gram and groundnut significantly improved cotton phenotypic characteristics as compare to other intercropping systems by increasing soil fertility and lowering insect burden. Dry matter per plant at 60, 90 DAS, at harvest and average boll weight were found significantly higher under sole cotton except 30 DAS during both the years of experimentation and in pooled results. Among different intercropping systems, the cotton + green gram (T14) intercropping recorded the highest dry matter, CGR and average boll weight while the lowest was recorded with the cotton + maize (T12) intercropping system. Overall, the findings show that while cereal-based systems necessitate careful management to balance competition and resource consumption, incorporating legumes into Bt cotton agriculture can provide significant agronomic benefits, including higher growth and yield. This study emphasises how crucial it is to choose the right intercrops in order to maximise the productivity and efficiency of Bt cotton systems.

Studies on Pearl Millet-Based Intercropping System under Rainfed Condition of Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Aim: The aim of the study is to ascertain the response of pearl millet under intercropping system with pulses and their ability to produce higher yield under intercropping conditions. Study Design: The study was carried out in Randomized block design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2023-2024 at Karunya Institute of technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design and replicated thrice. It consisted of eleven treatments comprising of pearl millet as main crop and pulses viz., blackgram, greengram, redgram, cowpea and bengalgram as intercrops. Pulses were intercropped with pearl millet in replacement series of 4:1 and 6:1 row proportion. Results: Significantly higher plant height (186.03cm), dry matter accumulation (7386kg/ha), grain yield (2493 kg/ha) and B:C (2.50) ratio was recorded in pearl millet + blackgram (4:1). Further pearl millet equivalent yield (PMGEY) (2711.1 kg/ha) and Relative Crowding Coefficient (RCC) were higher in pearl millet with blackgram 4:1 ratio and Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) were higher in pearl millet + redgram at a ratio of 4:1. Conclusion: These results confirmed that, pearl millet + blackgram 4:1 intercropping system may be suggested to get greater net return and B: C ratio.

Evaluation of Pigeonpea-based Intercropping System for Growth, Productivity, Economics, Available Nutrient and Nutrient Uptake under Alfisols

An experiment was conducted to the evaluation of pigeonpea-based intercropping system for growth, productivity, economics, available nutrient and nutrient uptake under alfisols of Karnataka during Kharif, 2020 at ‘K’ Block, Zonal Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bengaluru. The experiment had 15 treatments which were replicated thrice in Randomised Complete Block Design. Treatments consisted of sole crops pigeonpea and different intercrops mixed along with of intercrops (field bean, vegetable soybean and chia) in different row proportions of (1:2, 1:3 and 1:4).The study aimed to assess the growth, yield and economics of pigeonpea comprising planting geometry and different intercrops. The results indicated that the combined effect of paired-row pigeonpea with field bean at 120/60 cm × 30 cm (1:2) spacing recorded the highest seed yield (1770 kg/ha) and stalk yield (4026 kg/ha). Among planting geometry and intercropping systems, higher gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio (Rs. 2,60,591 ha-1, Rs. 2,19,030 ha-1 and 6.27 respectively) was recorded in T7 (paired row pigeonpea with vegetable soybean at 120/60 cm). Among planting geometry and intercropping system highest total nutrient uptake of pigeonpea was recorded in T6 (Paired row - 120/60 cm × 30 cm pigeonpea + field bean (1:2), 76.65, 12.20 and 98.36 kg/ha NPK respectively) compared to rest of intercropping treatments. In available nutrients, among planting geometry and intercropping systems highest total available nitrogen and phosphorous was recorded in T14: Sole vegetable soybean (318.62 and 107.20 kg/ha N & P respectively) and higher total available potassium was recorded in T13: Sole field bean (321.40 kg/ha K respectively), compared to other treatments. The study concludes that the paired row pigeonpea with vegetable soybean at 120/60 cm x 30 cm yield and economics of the intercropping systems.

Response of Spacing and Row Proportions of Turmeric + Okra Intercropping System of Odisha in India

Farmers of Kandhamal district of Odisha are cultivating turmeric as sole crop where interspace are not properly utilised. Therefore, One experiment was conducted at RRTTS, G.Udayagiri, Kandhamal, Odisha to study the response of spacing and row proportions on growth and yield attributes of okra in turmeric + okra intercropping System during 2022-23 kharif. T1 - Sole turmeric at 30x 20 cm (Recommended), T2- Sole Oka 45x20 cm (Recommended),T3- Okra + Turmeric (1:1), T4- Okra + turmeric (1:2), T5- Okra + turmeric (1:3),T6- Okra + turmeric (1:4),T7- Okra + turmeric (2:1),T8- Okra + turmeric (2:2), T9- Okra + turmeric (2:3), T10- Okra + turmeric (2:4). Sole crop of turmeric fresh rhizome (119.2 q ha-1) and okra fresh fruit (72.8 q ha-1) produced the highest yield when compared with other intercropping systems. Turmeric + Okra Intercropping system (1:4) spacing and row proportion in T6 registered highest turmeric rhizome equivalent yield 149.9q ha-1over other intercropping system and B: C ration of 2.17 where as in sole crop of B: C ratio -1.43.

Nutrient Uptake of Maize as Influenced by Intercropping with Different Genotype of Groundnut under Temperate Kashmir Valley

A field experiment on ‘Nutrient uptake of maize as influenced by intercropping with different genotype of groundnut under temperate Kashmir valley” was conducted at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Wadura, Sopore during 2021 and 2022. The experimental soil exhibited silty clay loam characteristics with adequate drainage and normal levels of both reaction and salinity. The experimental treatments comprised of sole crops and various row proportions of maize intercropped with groundnut. The experimental design was randomized complete block design, consist nineteen treatments that were replicated three times. Treatment comprised of T1 (Sole maize, 60 cm), T2 (sole paired maize, 75-45-75 cm), T3 (Sole paired maize,90-30-90 cm), T4 (Sole groundnut TG-84), T5 (Sole groundnut TG-37-A), T6 (Sole groundnut TG-88), T7 (Sole groundnut TG-89), T8 Alternate row of maize + groundnut TG- 84 (30 + 30 cm ),T9 Paired row of maize + groundnut TG- 84 (75-45-75 cm maize in between 25-25 cm groundnut),T10 Paired row of maize + groundnut TG- 84 (90-30-90 cm maize in between 30-30 cm groundnut), T11 Alternate row of maize + groundnut TG- 37-A (30 + 30 cm ) T12 Paired row of maize + groundnut TG- 37-A (75-45-75 cm maize in between 25-25 cm groundnut), T13 paired row of maize + Groundnut TG- 37-A (90-30-90 cm maize in between 30-30 cm groundnut), T14 Alternate rows of maize + Groundnut TG- 88 (30 + 30 cm),T15 Paired row of maize + groundnut TG- 88 (75-45-75 cm maize in between 25-25 cm groundnut), T16 Paired row of maize + groundnut TG- 88 (90-30-90 cm maize in between 30-30 cm groundnut), T17 Alternate rows of maize + groundnut TG- 89 (30 + 30 cm), T18 Paired row of maize + groundnut TG- 89 (75-45-75 cm maize in between 25-25 cm groundnut), T19 Paired row of maize+ groundnut TG- 89 (90-30-90 cm maize in between 30-30 cm groundnut). The two years of result revealed that intercropping increased the total N, P and K uptake and enhancing yield of both the crop. Total N, P and K uptake was recorded significantly higher with paired row of maize (75/45 cm spacing) in intercrop with groundnut variety TG-37-A as compared to sole maize. In intercrop N, P and K uptake was recorded significantly higher in sole groundnut variety TG-37-A followed by TG-84, TG-88 and TG-89.

Performance of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L) and Pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan L.) Intercropping System under North Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha, India

Performance of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L) and Pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan L.) Intercropping System under North Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha, India

Performance of castor-based intercropping in semi-arid zone of Haryana

To enhance the productivity of castor per unit area and over time, a study was conducted during the kharif 2020-21 season at the Regional Research Station, CCS HAU, Bawal,. The study aimed to evaluate the compatibility, production potential, and optimal row proportions of component crops in intercropping systems involving castor. The field investigation was carried out to identify suitable intercrops for maximizing castor yield and analyse the economic viability of various treatments under two different row spacing for castor: 150 cm and 200 cm. The results indicated that the highest castor seed and stalk yield were achieved in sole castor (3,879 kg/ha and 5,656 kg/ha, respectively) with 200 cm row spacing, a similar performance was observed with a 150 cm row spacing. Further, intercropping of castor (150 cm) + mungbean (1:2) recorded higher seed yield (3,547 kg/ha) and stalk yield (5,248 kg/ha), highest castor equivalent yield (4,220 kg/ha) and land equivalent ratio (1.53) and resulted in higher economic returns with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.78.

Affirmation of Experimental Results on Groundnut-Based Millet Intercropping System at Farmers Field under Rainfed Condition

The research aims to tackle the issue of low groundnut productivity in rainfed areas and low-fertility marginal lands, which is below the national average, leading to economic constraints for farmers. Millets, known for their resilience, are considered suitable for cultivation in challenging environments. Intercropping, growing multiple crops simultaneously, is recognized as an essential system to mitigate erratic climatic conditions and act as insurance against uncertainties. The experiment evaluates the productivity and profitability of an intercropping system combining groundnut and millets in a rainfed ecosystem. The goal is to provide a sustainable and economically viable option for farmers in such areas by leveraging the robustness of millets and improving agricultural outcomes and resilience to climate-related risks. A field experiment was carried out during Kharif 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Babbur farm, Hiriyur. An experiment was laid out with randomized complete block design (RCBD) with ten treatments and was replicated thrice. Treatments comprises of testing of sole groundnut, finger millet and foxtail millet against intercropping of groundnut with finger millet, little millet and foxtail millet at 5:2 and 6:1 row proportion. The results of pooled data indicated that significantly higher groundnut pod equivalent yield (2123 kg/ha) was recorded with Groundnut + finger millet (5:2) as compared to other treatments. However, significantly higher net returns (Rs. 58532/ha) and B:C ratio (2.55) were recorded with Groundnut + foxtail millet (6:1) as compared to other treatments.

Effect of the summer pearl millet-groundnut intercropping system on the growth, productivity and competitive ability of crops under south Odisha conditions

A millet-based intercropping system is common in dryland and rainfed conditions. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) exhibits wide adaptability to different agroclimatic conditions and seasons, making it suitable for an intercropping system. Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) is a leguminous oil-seed crop that can be cultivated as an intercrop in various cereals and millets to enhance productivity and resource efficiency. Based on these facts, the present study was conducted at the Research Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management during the summer season of 2022 to assess the effect of the summer pearl millet + groundnut intercropping system on the growth, productivity, and competitive ability of crops under the conditions of south Odisha. The experiment consisted of nine treatments. In case of pearl millet, the highest plant height at harvest was achieved in pearl millet (30 cm × 10 cm) + groundnut (1:1) (186 cm), while the maximum plant height of groundnut at harvest was observed in pearl millet (45 cm × 10 cm) + groundnut (1:2) (70cm). Dry matter production at harvest and leaf area index (LAI) at 60 days after sowing (DAS) of pearl millet were highest in pearl millet sole (857 g m-2 and 2.19, respectively). The maximum dry matter production at harvest was found in groundnut sole. The highest yield of individual crops was observed in their pure stands, with 2677 kg ha-1 and 2633 kg ha-1 of pearl millet grain and groundnut pod, respectively. Among mixed stands, pearl millet (30 cm × 10 cm) + groundnut (1:1) and pearl millet (45 cm × 10cm) + groundnut (1:1) showed superior values of different competition functions, such as aggressivity, relative crowding coefficient, monetary advantage, land equivalent ratio, and area time equivalent ratio. The results concluded that pearl millet and groundnut could be intercropped with a 1:1 row proportion with pearl millet spacing of either 30 cm × 10 cm or 45 cm × 10 cm in south Odisha conditions.

Growth and Yield Attributes of Mustard as Influenced by Mustard – Based Vegetable Intercropping Systems

The study was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Adilabad, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, from November, 2022 to March, 2023 to identify the best intercropping system in mustard intercropped with different root vegetable crops. The treatments include, T1: Mustard sole crop; T2: Radish sole crop; T3: Beetroot sole crop; T4: Carrot sole crop; T5: Potato sole crop; T6: Mustard + Radish (2:2); T7: Mustard + Beetroot (2:2); T8: Mustard + Carrot (2:2); T9: Mustard + Potato (2:2); T10: Mustard + Radish (3:3); T11: Mustard + Beetroot (3:3) ;T12: Mustard + Carrot (3:3); T13: Mustard + Potato (3:3). Results indicated that, mustard sole crop performed significantly better in terms of growth and yield parameters. However, among the intercropping systems, mustard + radish showed higher plant height (179 and 174 cm), significantly higher plant drymatter accumulation (2478, 2456 kg/ha), number of siliqua (1689 and 1675), grain yield (972 and 950 kg/ha) and stalk yield (2267 and 2242 kg/ha) in both 3:3 and 2:2 row proportions, respectively. Moreover, all the root vegetable crops, namely radish, beetroot, carrot and potato, showed better results in terms of growth and yield parameters as sole crops compared to when grown in intercropping systems. Considering the row proportions the performance was better in 3:3 than 2:2 but not statistically significant. The study concludes that, mustard +radish in both 3:3 and 2:2 row proportions can be a better intercropping system for Telangana.

Performance of sorghum and linseed intercropping system with different row proportion and planting geometry under rainfed condition

Afield experiment was conducted atMain AgriculturalResearch Station,Raichur, Karnataka during rabiseasonof 2013-14 under rainfed condition in medium black soil to study the yield performance and economics ofsorghum and linseed intercropping system with different row proportion and planting geometry. The results revealed that, among various intercropping systems, sorghum+linseed in 1:2 with 30 cm rows spacing recorded significantly highersorghum equivalent yield of 1822 kg/ha followed by chickpea+ linseed in 2:1 with 45 cm rows (1671 kg/ha) and sorghum+linseed in 1:1 with 30 cm rows (1653 kg/ha). The land equivalent ratio was significantly highest in sorghum+ linseed in 1:2 with 30 cmrows(1.70)followed by chickpea+linseed in 2:1 with 45 cmrows(1.10). Higher net returns was recorded in sorghum+linseed in 1:2 with 30 cm rows (` 34,348/ha) followed by sorghum+chickpea (2:1) 45 cm rows (` 31,211/ha) and sorghum+linseed (1:1) 30 cm rows (` 29,876/ha). However, higher B:C was recorded in sorghum+linseed (1:2) 30 cm rows (2.05).

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.

Influence of Row Ratio on Assessment of Yield and Economics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Mustard (Brassica nigra) Intercropping System

A field experiment was carried out during Rabi 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) on the topic “Influence of Row Ratio on Assessment of Yield and Economics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Mustard (Brassica nigra) 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 findings discovered that treatment 1 (Sole wheat cropping) recorded significant andmaximum number of effective tillers/m2 (634.01), number of grains/spike (52.80), seed yield (4.02 t/ha), straw yield (6.73 t/ha) and Harvest index (37.39%) of wheat and treatment 2 (Sole mustard cropping) recorded significant and maximum number of siliqua/plant (210.47), number of seeds/siliqua (22.90), test weight (3.66 g), seed yield (1.27 t/ha), straw yield (2.65 t/ha) and Harvest index (32.33%) in mustard.However, Inter-cropping with wheat-mustard (4:1) rows recorded significant and higher Land Equivalent Ratio (1.11), Wheat equivalent yield (5,046 kg/ha).

Effect of row proportions, organic and inorganic nutrient sources on growth and yield of potato (Solanum tubersoum) cultivars

The effects of row proportions and nutrient management was studied in potato (Solanum tubersoum L.) + Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj.] intercropping system during 2014–15 and 2015–16 at Amar Singh College Farm, Lakhaoti (Bulandshahr), Uttar Pradesh. The field experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with 3 replications. The main plot treatments consisted of 3 varieties, viz. ‘Kufri Pukhraj’, ‘Kufri Anand’ and ‘Chipsona 3’, and subplots comprised row proportions of 2 : 1 potato : Indian mustard (P : M), 4 : 1 P : M, potato sole and Indian mustard sole and the sub-subplot treatments consisted of 3 nutrient sources 100% organic (FYM), 100% inorganic and 50% organic + 50% inorganic. The maximum fresh weight of tubers (450.33 g), total tuber dry weight (56.99 g), total number of tubers/plant (15.40) as well as total biological yield (49.14) were recorded in ‘Kufri Pukhraj’ both for A - grade and total tuber yield. Row ratio of 2 : 1 (P : M) recorded higher fresh weight of haulms/ plant (191.48), while higher dry weight/plant of potato (119.70) was recorded in the sole crop. Number of tuber/ plant, fresh and dry weight of tubers were significantly higher under sole potato than row ratio of 4 : 1 however, row ratio of 4 : 1 was slightly superior to row ratio of 2 : 1. Sole potato and row ratio of 4 : 1 resulted in significantly higher total biomass than row ratio of 2 : 1. Yield of different grades and total tubers was recorded significantly higher in sole crop than that for row ratio of 4 : 1 and 2 : 1, though variations were observed nominal in case of Cgrade tubers. Significantly higher potato yield (2.85 t/ha) was observed with the application of nutrients through 50% organic + 50% inorganic fertilizer application.

Evaluation of different row proportions in intercropping of pearl millet and cluster bean for forage yield and quality

The suitable intercropping combination of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L.) and cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. Taub) for fodder yield and quality enhancement was studied in Yamuna ravines of Uttar Pradesh. In this experiment, nine treatments were evaluated which included two treatment of sole crop (pearl millet and cluster bean) and seven intercropping combinations of pearl millet + cluster bean viz., 1:1, 2:1, 1:2, 2:2, 3:1, 1:3 and 3:3. Maximum value of quality parameters (crude protein, ether extract, ash content, TDN, RFV, NE etc.) was obtained with intercropping of 1:3 row ratio. Highest total green and dry fodder yield of pearl l millet + cluster bean was obtained with 3:1 intercropping combination which was at par with 2:1 row ratio. Further maximum values of crude protein yield, ether extract yield and dry matter intake was recorded with 1:3 row ratios, which was statistically at par with 2:1 row ratio; and maximum value of ash yield was recorded with 2:1 row ratio. It was concluded that two rows pearl millet + one row cluster bean (2:1) intercropping combination could be recommended to obtain maximum yields of green fodder as well as crude protein.

System analysis of browntop millet based intercropping system in vertisols under rainfed condition

A field experiment was conducted at Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Dharwad during kharif season,2021-22 to analyze the browntop millet intercropping system with legumes. The experiment was laid out in randomizedcomplete block design with thirteen treatments and replicated thrice. Among thirteen treatments the browntop millet wasintercropped with groundnut, soybean, green gram and black gram in 4:2 and 2:1 row ratio and remaining treatments wereindividual sole crops. Sole browntop millet was recorded significantly higher grain yield (973.61 ka ha-1), whereas, amongthe different intercropping systems 4:2 row proportion of browntop millet + groundnut was recorded numerically highergrain yield (674.31 kg ha-1). Significantly higher browntop millet equivalent yield (BMEY) was recorded in sole groundnut(3689 kg ha-1), whereas, among the different intercropping system browntop millet + groundnut (4:2) was recordednumerically higher BMEY (2326 kg ha-1). Browntop millet + black gram at 4:2 row proportion was recorded numericallyhigher value of land equivalent ratio, area time equivalent ratio and system productivity index (1.192, 1.13 and 1159.49,respecitvely). Browntop millet was shown negative trend with respect to agrressivity. Significantly higher value of relativecrowding coefficient was recorded with browntop millet + groundnut with 4:2 row ratio (18.12). Sole groundnut wasrecorded significantly higher gross returns, net returns and benefit cost ratio ( `1,13,438, `72,934 ha-1 and 2.80, respectively).However, among the different intercropping systems browntop millet + groundnut at 4:2 row proportion was recordednumerically higher gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio ( `72,397 ha-1, `37,971 ha-1 and 2.10, respectively).

Performance of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) based Intercropping System in kharif under Different Row Proportion on Yield and Economics

An Agronomic investigation entitled “Performance of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Based intercropping system in kharif under different row proportion” was carried out at Agriculture College Farm, Nagpur during kharif 2017-18. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments as T1- Sole sesame, T2 - Sole green gram, T3 - Sole black gram, T4 - Sesame : Green gram in 1:1 row ratio, T5 - Sesame : Green gram in 2:1 row ratio, T6 - Sesame : Green gram in 3:1 row ratio, T7 - Sesame : Black gram in 1:1 row ratio, T8 - Sesame : Black gram in 2:1 row ratio and T9 - Sesame : Black gram in 3:1 row ratio and were replicated thrice. The results of the study indicated that, among all treatments, sole sesame (T1) recorded highest seed yield, straw yield and biological yield. Among the intercropping treatments, sesame with black gram in 1:1 row ratio recorded higher seed yield, straw yield and biological yield. Intercropping of sesame: black gram in 1:1 row ratio (T7) recorded the higher GMR (₹ 87563 ha-1), NMR (₹ 62060 ha-1), B:C ratio (3.43).

Increasing crop diversity and yield of black rice through intercropping with mungbean at different row proportions on raised-beds

Additive intercropping with legume crops such as soybean, peanut and mungbean was reported to increase growth and yield of red rice grown on raised-beds under aerobic irrigation systems. This study aimed to examine the effects of row proportions of rice-mungbean on growth, yield and land equivalent ratio (LER) of black rice in intercropping with mungbean grown on raised-beds under replacement series. The experiment was conducted in Beleke, West Lombok, Indonesia, from November 2018 to March 2019, which was designed according to Randomized Complete Block Design testing four treatments (RM-1:0= rice monocrop; RM-2:1= rice-mungbean 2:1 rows, RM-2:2= 2:2 rows, and RM-1:2= 1:2 rows). To measure LER, monocropped mungbean was also planted in each block. All crops were planted under 20x20 cm plant spacing. The results indicated that row proportions of rice-mungbean significantly affected numbers of green leaves, tillers, panicles and filled grains per clump, panicle length, grain yield and dry straw weight per clump, and total LER, which were higher on black rice intercropped with higher proportions of mungbean (RM-2:2 and RM-1:2) than on monocropped black rice. Black rice grain yield per clump tended to be highest in RM-1:2 but total LER was significantly highest (1.27 or 127%) in RM-2:2.

​Effect of Inter and Sequential Cropping of Pulses in Little Millet (Panicum sumatranse L.) based Cropping System

Background: Small millets and pulses are world’s renowned crops for their nutritional significance. Being an underutilized species; rainfed farmers solely depend on them for their livelihood; which would be enhanced in a planned and efficient cropping system. The current study aimed to the identify suitable inter and sequential crops for rainfed little millet. Methods: In this study, four cropping patterns with two different row proportions for intercropping [viz., (4:1), (6:1)] were used with little millet as a main crop. The cropping systems include - little millet + pigeonpea [(4:1), (6:1)] followed by a sequential horsegram; little millet + pigeonpea followed by moth bean and little millet + lablab [(4:1), (6:1)] followed by Horsegram and little millet + lablab followed by mothbean. Result: Among them; a higher grain equivalent yield was observed in little millet + pigeonpea (6:1); followed by horsegram. However, higher dry matter, grain weight and higher individual crop yield was obtained in little millet + pigeonpea (6:1) followed by mothbean. Although individual mono cropping yields of these crops were higher; the pattern with little millet - pigeonpea (6:1) followed by horsegram could be recommended as a methodology to aid higher economic returns in shorter period.

Impact of intercropping of vegetable legumes in summer maize on productivity and competitive ability of crops

Maize (Zea mays L.), the queen of cereals, has versatile use as food, feed and industrial purpose and the area under maize is increasing during recent times. As a widely spaced crop, it offers inclusion of intercrops without reducing the optimum plant stand. Intercropping legumes in maize is widely practiced to herness the efficient use of resource and multiple advantages. Based on the above facts, an experiment was conducted during summer season of 2021 on intercropping maize with legumes at Experimental Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Parlakhamundi, Odisha. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) comprising of nine treatments namely, T1: Maize sole, T2: Cowpea sole, T3: Cluster bean sole, T4: Maize + Cowpea (2:1), T5: Maize + Cowpea (2:2), T6: Maize + Cowpea (2:3), T7: Maize + Cluster bean (2:1), T8: Maize + Cluster bean (2:2) and T9: Maize + Cluster bean (2:3). The results revealed that the yield attributes of maize such as number of cobs/plant, number of rows/cob, number of seeds/row, test weight and cob length and maize yield were not significantly influenced among the treatments. In case of Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), the values obtained in all the intercropped treatments were greater than unity which clearly showed that intercropping was advantageous. However, the maximum LER and Area Time Equivalent Ratio (ATER) were obtained from 2:3 row proportion of maize + cluster bean and it was followed by maize + cowpea in 2:3 row ratio. Product of Relative Crowding Coefficient (RCC) was found maximum in the case of maize + cowpea (2:3). The competitive ratio depicts that those legumes were more competitive over maize. The study indicated that intercropping 2:3 row proportion of maize + vegetable legumes were advantageous over pure stand of maize.