Physico-chemical properties of soil and effect of npk levels on growth and yield of maize + potato intercropping system

The present study was undertaken in North West Himalayas of Jammu & Kashmir State. Surface soil samples were collected from Bhaderwah, Assar and Kisthwar Clusters and analysed for pH, OC%, CaCO₃%, and available. N, P and K. The average values for these were 5.8, 0.91%, 0.84%, 323 kg ha⁻¹, 13.96 kg ha⁻¹ and 145.3 kg ha⁻¹ in Bhaderwah cluster; 6.3, 0.80%, 0.67%, 254 kg ha⁻¹, 10.7 kg ha⁻¹ and 163 kg ha⁻¹ in Assar cluster; and 7.1, 0.75%, 0.60%, 248 kg ha⁻¹, 9.5 kg ha⁻¹ and 164 kg ha⁻¹ in Kisthwar cluster, respectively. A field experiment was conducted during the years 2008–09 and 2009–10 in RBD with 5 treatments and 4 replications of maize and potato intercropping at farmer's field. The plant height, leaf area index, dry mater production g/plant and yield were recorded. When only 100% recommended dose of NPK of Maize was given to the intercropping system, lower yields were obtained due to shortage of nutrients. Maximum yields were recorded when recommended 100% of NPK of maize + 75% NPK of potato was given.