Influence of different rice (Oryza sativa)-legume associations on the performance of succeeding crops of linseed (Linum usitatissimum) and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)

Abstract

In a field investigation during the dry seasons of 1991-93 two oilseed crops, namely, linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), were tested under a typical rainfed upland condition which were preceded by different rice-legume associations comprising greengram (Phaseolus radiatus L.), blackgram (P. mungo L.) and pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]. The total water (consumptive use) was recorded to be the highest with the plots which succeeded rice+blackgram intercropping system at a higher level of fertility during ., , 1991-92, but during 1992-93, the highest values of total water use were recorded - with the plots, where previously rice+ pigeonpea was practised at a higher level of fertility. Both the crops were found extracting greater percentage of moisture from the top 15 cm soil depth during both the years of experimentation. The total number of branchedplant, number of capsules/heads/plant and 1,000-seed weight of the crops were higher in the plots, where previously rice + blackgram intercropping system was adopted at a higher level of fertility, and the final seed yield of both the crops showed the same trend during both the years of experimentation.