Economic evaluation of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), based cropping systems in rainfed Alfisols

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted on red sandy loam soils during 1996 97 and 1997 98 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati, to evaluate the yield and economics of different cropping systems in rainfed Alfisols. Significantly higher pod yield of groundnut (Arachis hypagaea L.) was obtained in single skip row with 100% population. Intercropping with pigeonpea or redgram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] in 7:l ratio significantly reduced the groundnut pod yields. But higher net returns of Rs 14,070 and Rs 3,331 were obtained with groundnut redgram intercropping (7:1) in 1996 97 and 1997 98 in good and bad years respectively. Higher total yield advantage was also recorded with grcundnut redgram intercropping in 7:1 ratio. Groundnut redgram (7:1) intercropping proved to be more remunerative than other cropping systems in rainfed Alfisols.