Productivity and economics of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and greengram (Phaseolus radiata) intercropping system as affected by row ratio and nitrogen in arid fringes

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2005–07 at Pali, Rajasthan to study the effects of intercrop row ratio and nitrogen on sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] + greengram [(Phaseolus radiata (L.) Wilczek)] intercropping system. The highest grain yield of sorghum was obtained with sole sorghum, followed by sorghum + greengram in 2:1 row ratio at 50 kg N/ha, with same row ratio at 75 kg N/ha and sorghum + greengram in 3:1 row ratio at 75 kg N/ha. The intercrop yield was highest under sole stand, followed by sorghum + greengram in 1:1 row ratio. Nitrogen uptake was maximum (81.1 kg/ha) under sorghum + greengram with 2:1 row ratio at 50 kg N/ha and (78.3 kg/ha) with same row ratio at 75 kg N/ha compared with the 62.2 kg N/ha under sole sorghum and 55.5 kg/ha under sole greengram. Intercropping of sorghum with greengram in 2:1 row ratio at 50 kg N/ha recorded the highest land equivalent ratio (1.32), price equivalent ratio (1.23), relative crowding co-efficient (10.99), net returns (Rs 14 857/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.64).