Comparing the Feasibilities of Pearlmillet‐Based Intercropping Systems Supplied with Varying Levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus

Abstract

To compare the feasibilities of pearlmillet‐based intercropping systems, field experiments were carried out for 2 years on loamy sand soils in the semi‐arid plain zone of Rajasthan, India. Results showed that the pooled yields of pearlmillet from the single crop (1525 kg ha−1) and from the crop intercropped with legumes (1528, 1498 or 1540 kg ha−1) were statistically the same. The yields from intercrop legumes were obtained as a bonus. The highest value of land equivalent ratio (1.21) was recorded for the pearlmillet + clusterbean system, which gave significantly better results than the pearlmillet + cowpea system. It was also found that the dose of nitrogen can be reduced by up to 25 % when pearlmillet is grown with legumes. However, intercrop legumes required the recommended dose of fertilizer to produce their optimal yields. The practice of intercropping without fertilizer proved disadvantageous.

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

“…To increase the production per unit area, intercropping systems provide resources to the resource-poor farmers, more efficient use of land and labor, and better control of weeds, insects/pests, and pathogens than sole crops (Singh and Rathi 2003). Intercropping has been in practice for centuries to sustain yield, minimize risk, utilize the lag phase, and improve productivity (Aiyer 1949;Jodha 1977;Willey 1979a;Dwivedi and Kumar 1999;Rao 2000;Sharma and Gupta 2001). Because information is lacking on the influence of integrated nutrient application in chickpea -mustard intercropping system, the present study was undertaken to see if the combined use of organic, inorganic, and biofertilizers under moisture-stress situations could enhance sustainable yield.…”

Meta‐Analysis of the Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Annual Cereal–Legume Intercrop Production

“…Nitrogen fertilization has frequently been found to have no effect on the total grain yield of the intercrop or to decrease this yield, and has been shown to increase the proportion of cereal in the mixture. However, some studies have reported that N fertilization has no impact on the grain yield of the legume (Adu‐Gyamfi et al, 1997; Cardoso et al, 2007; Li et al, 2005; Sharma and Gupta, 2001) or even a positive impact on the grain yield of the legume (Ofori et al, 1987; Siame et al, 1998), leading to an increase in the total grain yield of the intercrop with N fertilization.…”

Effect of Graded Levels of Nitrogen to Main Crop on the Performance of Intercropped Legumes Grown With and Without Fertilizers

“…The results also showed significant differences in the yields of the crops in the two seasons of the experiment. An earlier paper (Sharma and Gupta, 2000) reported that favourable weather in 1996 promoted the growth of the main crop, which resulted in partial shading of the intercropped legumes, resulting in lower yields than those in the previous year. Large variations in the yield levels due to seasonal variability were also observed by Chaurasia and Sharma (1999).…”

“…The sole crop of PM is conventionally sown in lines 45 cm apart. In the present experiment, the improved method of Sharma and Gupta (2000) was adopted, wherein the PM was sown in paired rows with 30/60 cm spacings to accommodate an additional row of a legume crop. Thus one row of cowpea (CP) or mungbean (MB) or clusterbean (CB) was inserted in the gap of 60 cm so formed in between the 2 adjacent paired rows of PM.…”