Performance of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) based intercropping systems

Abstract

There is need to enhance production of food grains, oilseed, pulses, spices, fruits and vegetables. Higher system productivity can be realized with the integration of different crops without compromising the yield of base crops. Hence a field experiment on effect of intercropping system on growth, yield and system productivity was conducted at National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer, Rajasthan during rabi 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07. The experiment comprising of 13 treatments viz. , sole coriander, sole onion, sole garlic, sole carrot, coriander + garlic (1:1), coriander + garlic (1:2), coriander + garlic (2:2), coriander + carrot (1:1), coriander + carrot (1:2), coriander + carrot (2:2), coriander + onion(1:1), coriander + onion (1:2) and coriander + onion (2:2) was laid in randomized block design with three replications. Based on three year study it was observed that growth parameters, yield attributes and seed yield of coriander recorded was higher with coriander + intercrops in 1:1 ratio. The association of carrot with coriander at all ratios proved superior over onion and garlic. Besides sole cropping, the yield of intercrops recorded was higher 1:2 ratio as compared to 1:1 and 2: 2 but yield attributes of these intercrops obtained was higher in 1:1 ratio.. The highest coriander equivalent yield (2.11 t/ha), net return (Rs 50,701 / ha) and B:C ratio (2.16) was exhibited by 1:1 ratio followed by 2:2 ratio. Coriander + carrot with all ratios gave higher coriander equivalent yield, net return, benefit cost ratio and land equivalent ratio over coriander intercropped with onion/garlic. Thus coriander + carrot in 1:1 ratio is best for realizing higher system productivity and profitability.