Indian Journal of Agronomy

An effect of intercropped dual-purpose legumes in spring sugarcane plant-ratoon system was studied during 1997–98 to 1999–2000 at the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow. The yield of sugarcane intercropped with cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] (67.0 tonnes/ha) and greengram (Phaseolus radiatus L.) (68.5 tonnes/ha) was comparable to that intercropped with Sesbania for green-manuring (72.2 tonnes/ha). Significantly highest cane-equivalent yield (80.3 tonnes/ha), sugar-equivalent yield (9.47 tonnes/ha), net monetary returns (Rs 33,341/ha) and nitrogen addition (71.6 kg/ha) to the soil through incorporation of green biomass was recorded with sugarcane + cowpea intercropping system. Population density of 125% gave significantly higher number of millable canes (119,400/ha), cane yield (73.7 tonnes/ha) and cane-equivalent yield (78.7 tonnes/ha). However, normal planting was found remunerative (Rs 36,696/ha). The growth and yield parameters of sugarcane as well as monetary returns significantly increased by application of 150 kg N/ha. Sugarcane + cowpea intercropping system proved highly productive and most economical. Cropping system × N level interaction indicated that sugarcane + cowpea as well as sugarcane + greengram were equally productive at higher level of N (150 kg N/ha). There was significant increase in number of millable canes, cane yield and sugar yield of ratoon from counter part plant crop intercropped with cowpea and greengram.