EFFECT OF ORGANIC NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ON INTERCROPPING SYSTEMS OF CENCHRUS AND DOLICHOS LAB LAB FOR QUALITY FODDER PRODUCTION AND FOR IMPROVING SOIL HEALTH UNDER SEMI-ARID CONDITIONS OF RAJASTHAN

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Avikanagar during kharif seasons of 2010 and 2011 to explore the possibility of improvement in productivity and profitability of mixed pasture inclusion of dhaman grass (Cenchrus setigerus) and fodder legume as field bean (Dolichos lab lab), which were grown in different row proportions (1 : 1, 1 : 2 and 2 : 1). Further, the nutrient management through organic sources comprising of control, sheep manure @ 10 t/ha, vermicompost @ 3 t/ha and sheep manure@ 5 t/ ha+ vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha were studied. The results of the study revealed that growth indices, green and dry fodder yields, protein yield and available nutrients were influenced significantly by Cenchrus and Dolichos in 2 : 1 ratio. The maximum increase in green fodder (13.98 t/ha), dry matter (4.22 t/ha) and protein yield (84.3 kg/ha) were recorded in 2 : 1 row ratio of Dolichos and Cenchrus followed by 1:1 row proportion. Overall, there was 23.52 per cent increase in organic carbon content under the same treatment in comparison to initial soil status. The available N (9.18 and 15.48%), P (21.05 and 34.30%) and K (4.53 and 7.06%) were increased maximum in 2 : 1 row ratio of Dolichos and Cenchrus than other row ratios (1:1 and 1:2). The net returns (Rs. 21,606/ha) and benefit : cost ratio (2.29) were the maximum in 2 : 1 row ratio followed by 1 : 1 row ratio (Rs. 19, 860 and 2.17). Application of sources of organic manures (sheep manure @ 5 tonnes/ha+vermicompost @ 1.5 t/ha) had produced higher green fodder (12.68 t/ha), dry matter (4.43 t/ha) and protein yield (87.6 kg /ha). The organic carbon content of soil was also improved by 38.23 per cent higher with the application of both the sources of organic manures by half doses. The available N (44%), P (39.7%) and K (27.37%) were reported remarkably better with both the sources of organic manures applied by their half doses. Application of sheep manure @ 5 t/ha+vermicompost@ 1.5 t/ ha resulted in higher net returns of Rs. 23, 881/ha.