Response of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) + groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) intercropping system to planting pattern and phosphorus management

A field experiment was conducted at New Delhi during the rainy season of 2000 and 2001, to study the effect of planting pattern and P-fertilizer management in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] + groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) intercropping system. Planting patterns failed to affect the growth and yield attributes, protein content and yield of pigeonpea. Groundnut in all the intercropping treatments being at par recorded significantly lower yield attributes (except 1, 000-seed weight) and yield compared with sole groundnut. Pigeonpea + groundnut intercropping in various planting patterns being at par recorded significantly higher pigeonpea-equivalent yield (PEY) and P uptake than sole pigeonpea. Both pigeonpea and groundnut in sole and intercropping systems responded favourably up to 40 kg P₂O₅/ha only for growth and yield attributes (except 1, 000-seed weight and harvest index), protein content, yield, PEY and P uptake over no phosphorus.