Influence of soil depth on productivity of rainfed castor and cluster bean in soil and intercropping systems.

Abstract

The studies oninfluence ofsoil depth on productivity of rainfed castor c1usterbean in sole and intercropping systems were conducted in ~mi arid Aifisol watershed area during kharifseason from 1992 to 1995. The results indicated that castor and c1usterbean in different intercropping systems showed positive response with increment in soil depth in all the years; Among the crops, castor was found highly sensitive than c1usterbean in terms of yield and growth components. The intercropping of castor and c1usterbean recorded higher yield and monetary advantages than respective sole crops at &iI soil depths due to efficient utilization of rainwater and nutrients. However, the yield advantages in intercropping systems increased with increment of soil depthupto 30 cm and decreased from 30-45 cm. Among the systems intercroPPulg of castor + c1usterbean (1:2) recorded the highest castor seed equivalents at 3045 em followed by sole castor. The increase in seed yields, growth and yield components with increased soil depth is attributed to efficient use of rainwater and nutrients.