Effect of row ratio and phosphorus level on performance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum)–Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) intercropping

A field experiment was conducted during winter seasons (rabi) of 2000–01 and 2001–02 at Agricultural Research Farm to find out the effect of row ratios (4:2, 6:2 and 8:2) and phosphorus levels (30, 60 and 90 kg P₂O₅/ha) on chickpea or gram (Cicer arietinum L.) + Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] intercropping on growth, yield attributes, yield, yield assessment and monetary returns as well as P uptake under dryland conditions in semi-arid region of central Uttar Pradesh. The highest land-equivalent ratio (LER), area × time equivalency ratio (ATER), effective yield total (EYT), net return and benefit: cost ratio were obtained at 6:2 rowratio. Among the phosphorus levels tried, 60 kg P₂O₅/ha was found most economic. P uptake was significantly higher at 60 kg P₂O₅/ha in comparison with 30 kg P₂O₅/ha. Net return was also highest, i.e. Rs 22,042.90 and 20,182.04/ha at 6:2 row ratio and 60 kg P₂O₅/ha respectively.