Productivity and profitability of winter-initiated sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) ratoon through intercropping of forage legumes and nitrogen nutrition

Field experiments were conducted during 2000–01 and 2001–02 at Lucknow to study the effect of berseem [Trifolium alexandrinum (L.) Juslen.] and senji (Melilotus sp.) intercropping on growth, yield and quality of winter-initiated ratoon of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. complex hybrid). Intercropping of berseem in winter-initiated sugarcane ratoon significantly increased the number of millable canes (117.8 thousand/ha), cane yield (72.4 t/ha), cane-equivalent yield (90.81 t/ha) and commercial cane sugar (8.81 t/ha) compared with sole cropping (7.66 t/ha). The cane yield, cane-equivalent yield and sugar yield increased significantly with increase in N level in sugarcane + berseem and sugarcane + senji intercropping systems. Early-maturing, high-sugar variety ‘CoS 687’ sugarcane yielded higher (63.1 t/ha) under berseem intercropping system than sole cropping (54.7 t/ha). Application of 125% of the recommended N fetched the highest net income (Rs 60,041/ha) and B:C ratio (2.76). Highest profit of Rs 71,570/ha and B:C ratio of 3.13 were recorded under sugarcane ratoon + berseem intercropping system along with 125% N of the recommended dose. Intercropping of berseem and senji improved the physical properties of the soil by increasing the infiltration rate (4.82 mm/hr) and reducing the bulk density (1.26 g/cm³).