Effect of farmyard manure, source and level of sulphur on growth attributes, yield, quality and total nutrient uptake in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) intercropping system

Abstract

India has largest area under grain legumes in the world but compared to world average the productivity is very low in India which is about 600 kg/ha and 1 000 kg/ha of pulses and oilseeds, respectively. Pigeonpea ranks second in both acreage (3.58 million ha) and production (2.74 million tonnes) among the pulses in India with average productivity of 765 kg/ha. It, being a deep-rooted crop and initial slow rate of growth for 45–60 days after sowing offers good scope for intercropping with a short-duration cover crop. Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millisp.) + groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) intercropping system is widely followed in several parts of the country, like Saurashtra, parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh etc. The wide space between the rows of pigeonpea is profitably utilized by growing groundnut which generates additional income without adversely affecting the yield of pigeonpea. Needless to say organic manures have crucial role in improving soil physical, chemical and biological properties but their importance in modern input-intensive crop production technologies needs to be further evaluated, especially in popular cropping systems like pigeonpea + groundnut intercropping system.