Range Management and Agroforestry
Year : 2011, Volume : 32, Issue : 1
First page : ( 33) Last page : ( 39)
Print ISSN : 0971-2070.

Performance evaluation of cowpea and Cenchrus setigerus intercropping and nitrogen supplementation through organic and inorganic sources in Aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn) based horti- pasture system

Meena L. R., Mann J. S., Meena Ram Kesh

Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar-304 501, India

Corresponding author e–mail: lrmeena63@yahoo.com

Received:  8  October,  2010; Accepted:  20  April,  2011.

Abstract

Intercropping of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and Cenchrus setigerus in row ratio 2:1 gave higher dry matter yield (3.35 t ha⁻¹) and seed yield of cowpea (1.02 t ha⁻¹) than other row ratios (1:1 and 1:2). Fruit yield of aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn) was maximum when intercropped with legume and grass in 2:1 row ratio (6.42 t ha⁻¹). Maximum organic carbon content, available N and P were observed, when legume and grass were grown in 2:1 row ratio, to the tune of 39.72, 37.87 and 75.43 per cent over initial nutrients content. Maximum economic return of Rs 30 987 ha⁻¹ and benefit: cost ratio (2.21) were obtained under 2:1 row ratio. Application of 50% recommended N through inorganic source along with 25% vermicompost and 25% through sheep manure improved the dry matter yield by 122.35% over 100% inorganic N supplementation. Among the different source of N, C. setigerus seed yield was increased by 20.83% at 50% of recommended N through inorganic source along with 25% vermicompost and 25% through sheep manure (F₆) over 100% inorganic N (F₁). Similarly, aonla fruit yield plant⁻¹ (52.06 kg) and fruit yield ha⁻¹ (6.64 t ha⁻¹) was higher with application of 50% of recommended N through inorganic source along with 25% vermicompost and 25% through sheep manure.

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Keywords

Cenchrus setigerus, Cowpea, Economics, Emblica officinalis, Fodder, Intercropping, Nitrogen, Yield.

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