Effect of integrated nutrient management on the performance of sole and intercropped pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) under rainfed conditions Kumawat Narendra1, Singh Rajendra Prasad2, Kumar Rakesh3, Om Hari4,* Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh-221 005 1Research Scholar, Department of Agronomy 2Professor and Head, Department of Agronomy 3Scientist (Agronomy), ICAR Research Complex For NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani, Medziphema, Distt. Dimapur, Nagaland 4Research Scholar, Division of Agronomy, IARI, Pusa, New Delhi *Corresponding author Email: hariom711@gmail.com
Online published on 25 September, 2013. Abstract A field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of crop years (July-June) 2008–09 and 2009–10 at Varanasi to find out the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on the growth, yield, economics, nutrient uptake and balance sheet of sole and intercropped of pigeonpea {Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.} and blackgram {Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper} in 1:1 normal planting (60 cm spacing) and 2:2 paired row planting (40/80 cm). Intercropping system had significant effect on gross returns, net returns, B:C ratio and monetary advantage index (MAI), total uptake of N,P,K,S and Zn, when compared to sole pigeonpea. Higher values of gross returns, net returns, B:C ratio and MAI were recorded under normal intercropping system followed by paired intercropping system. Significantly higher values of total uptake (N,P,K,S and Zn) was recorded under sole pigeonpea. The lowest negative value of actual gain of S and Zn was recorded under paired intercropping. Among the integrated nutrient management, application of 100% RDF + 50% of RDN through vermicompost + 5 kg Zn/ha gave significantly higher growth and yield attributes, grain yield, gross returns, net returns, B:C ratio, MAI and total uptake (NPKS and Zn) of both crops. The lowest N/P/K/S efficiency ratio and physiological efficiency index of cropping systems were recorded under application of 100% RDF + 50% NVC + 5 kg Zn/ha followed by 50% RDF + 100% NVC + 5 kg Zn/ha. Application of 100% RDF + 50% NVC + 5 kg Zn/ha recorded significantly higher total uptake and available soil S and Zn after harvest of crop. Maximum negative value of actual gain of S and Zn was also recorded with the application of 100% RDF + 50% NVC + 5 kg Zn/ha. Top Keywords Intercropping, Integrated nutrient management, Nutrient uptake, Rainfed pigeonpea. Top |