Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) intercropping with legumes in Bihar plateau at different levels of phosphate and cropping patterns

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 1991 and 1992 at Giridih, eastern fringe of Bihar Plateau under rainfed condition, to study the intercropping effect of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] with 2 legumes, viz. greengram (Phaseolus radiatus L.) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), under different levels of phosphate fertilizer and cropping patterns in the upland plot and succeeding crop of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] was sown under residual fertility. Pigeonpea + groundnut :. paired row system at 60 kg P205/ha resulted the highest pigeonpea seed yield (17.55 qlha) and it was 1.6% and 5.3% significantly higher than that of 0 and 30 kg P2051ha. Pigeonpea, groundnut and greengram yields Increased significantly with the increasing levels of P205. Relative yield loss due to intercropping was noted maximum (8.53%) in pigeonpea+ groundnut alternate row system and minimum (6.1 Oh) in pigeonpea+ groundnut paired row system. Highest monetary advantage of Rs 667Olha was also obtained in pigeonpea+ groundnut paired row systems. Levels of phosphate differed significantly and 6.0 to 6.4 qlha mustard grain were obtained as follow up crop.