Performance of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) + greengram (Phaseolus radiatus) intercropping system as influenced by moisture-conservation practice and fertility level under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was conducted on moisture conservation and nutrient-management practices in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]-greengram [(Phaseolus radiatus (L.) Wilczek] intercropping system under rainfed conditions on sandy-loam soil at New Delhi in rainy season 2004 and 2005. The planting of one row of greengram between paired rows (30.70 cm) of pigeonpea proved superior to the sole pigeonpea in terms of pigeonpea-equivalent yield, water use and economics. Application of soil mulch + farmyard manure 5 tonnes/ha + Kaolin 6 per cent spray was found the best moisture-conservation practice by recording the maximum valuesof pigeonpea-equivalent yield, nutrient uptake and water-use efficiency. Application of 40 kg P₂O₅/ha + 25 kg S/ha + phosphate-sutibilizing bacteria (PSB) recorded the maximum values of pigeonpea-equivalent yield, nutrient uptake, water-use efficiency and net returns.