Influence of phosphorus and sulphur fertilization on productivity and oil yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in intercropping with simultaneous and staggered planting

Results of field experiment conducted at New Delhi during the rainy seasons of 1999 and 2000 revealed that number of total and developed pods and pod weight/plant of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) remained unaffected due to simultaneous sown sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) intercrop. However, 1 month delayed sowing of sunflower intercrop caused significant improvement in these parameters of groundnut. However, the highest pod and oil yields were recorded from sole groundnut owing to its higher plant population. Application of 40 kg P₂O₅/ha and 30 kg S/ha individually caused highest pod yield in groundnut with 28 and 27% increase over respective controls. Significant positive interaction of P and S on pod yield of groundnut was noted with the combined application of 40 kg P₂O₅/ha and 30 kg S/ha. Oil yield of groundnut was the highest with the application of 40 kg P₂O₅/ha and 30 kg S/ha with respective nutrients. In sunflower, significant increase in seed and oil yields was recorded owing to application of 80 kg P₂O₅/ha and 30 kg S/ha with respective nutrients.