Intercropping with vegetables on productivity and economic returns of Kinnow in arid region

Abstract

Experiments were carried out to study the productivity and economic performance of intercropping of Kinnow with vegetable crops. There were five treatment combinations viz., (i) Kinnow + (Onion (Allium cepa )-Indian squash (Citrullus lanatus var. fistulosus )), (ii) Kinnow + (Radish (Raphanus sativus- Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata))), (iii) Sole Onion- Indian squash, (iv) Sole Radish- Cowpea and (v) Sole Kinnow. Intercropping showed positive effect on height, girth and canopy spread of Kinnow over its sole plantation. The fruit yield of Kinnow was significantly improved by intercrops as compared to sole Kinnow. However, the productivity of both rabi and kharif season crops was less with Kinnow as compared to sole cropping. The onion in rabi season and Indian squash in kharif season were better options for intercropping system in terms of crop yield equivalents as compared to sole Kinnow. The annual system productivity in terms of onion equivalent yield (OEY) was 2.81 and 7.58 times higher in Kinnow + (radish-cowpea) and Kinnow + (onion-Indian squash) as compared to sole Kinnow, respectively. Water productivity in terms of economic yield (WPEY) was improved to 4.23 and 1.86 kg/m3 in intercropping system of Kinnow + (onion –Indian squash) and Kinnow + (radish-cowpea) as compared to sole Kinnow (0.62 kg/m3). Similarly, the water productivity in terms of gross return (WPGR ) was improved to 22.73 and 9.51 Rs/m3 in Kinnow + (onion – Indian squash) and Kinnow + (radish-cowpea), respectively as compared to 4.98 Rs/m3 in sole Kinnow. The B: C ratio of Kinnow + (onion-Indian squash) and Kinnow + (radish-cowpea) was improved to 3.65 and 2.06, respectively, as compared to sole Kinnow (B: C ratio of 1.50).