Effect of intercropping in sugarcane (Saccharum complex hybrid) on productivity of plant cane - ratoon system

A field experiment was conducted at Lucknow during 2002–03 and 2003–04 to assess the production potential and economic viability of autumn-planted sugarcane-based intercropping systems, viz. sugarcane sole and sugarcane intercropped with lentil (Lens esculentus), rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), Indian mustard (Brassica compestris), rapeseed (Brassica sp.) and maize (Zea mays L.) for cobs at 2 row spacings of 90 and 75 cm. The intercropping with rajmash had no adverse effect on the number of millable canes (117.6 thousand/ha), cane length (213 cm) and cane yield (83.4 t/ha) compared with sole cane. Intercropping of rajmash and maize for green cobs resulted in highest net profit (Rs 89,883 and 83,815/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (B: C) (2.53 and 2.34) compared with sole sugarcane (Rs 50,199/ha). Ratoon sugarcane intercropped with lentil gave higher cane yield (64.2 t/ha) than that from sugarcane sole. Besides, there was improvement in the physico-chemical properties of the soil under sugarcane + lentil intercropping system with lower bulk density (1.26 g/cm³) and higher infiltration rate (4.75 mm/hr) compared with sole sugarcane. Inclusion of short-duration intercrops like rajmash, and maize for green cobs in autumn-planted sugarcane improved the productivity and profitability, and lentil intercropping improved the soil health under plant-ratoon system.