Impact of row ratio and nutrient management on performance of clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) + sesame (Sesamum indicum) intercropping system

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2005 to 2007 at Kukma, Bhuj, (Gujarat) in sandy soil to study the effect of row ratio and nutrient management on sustainability of clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] + sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) intercropping system under arid condition. Treatments comprised of 15 combinations of cropping systems, viz. sole clusterbean, sole sesame, clusterbean + sesame in 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 row proportions and nutrient management, viz. the control, 40 kg N/ha and 20 kg N + 5 t FYM/ha. Intercropping declined the seed yield of clusterbean by 30% compared to sole crop (mean of 3 years 0.71 t/ha). However, clusterbean-equivalent yield (0.92 t/ha), net returns (Rs 6,251/ha) and benefit: cost (B: C) ratio (1.67) were higher with clusterbean + sesame (2: 1) intercropping system over the corresponding values of 0.71, 3,572 and 1.41 in sole clusterbean. Irrespective of the cropping system, application of 20 kg N + 5 t FYM/ha recorded significantly higher clusterbean-equivalent yield (1.036 t/ha), net monetary returns (Rs 7,793/ha) and B: C ratio (1.79) than of 40 kg N/ha alone and the absolute control. Addition of 5 t FYM/ha along with 20 kg N/ha gave 8.5 and 9.8% higher uptake of N than of 40 kg N/ha and the control respectively. The sustainable yield index (SYI) and sustainable value index (SVI) were higher with clusterbean + sesame under 2:1 row ratio (0.74, 0.76), and the highest SYI (0.81) and SVI (0.82) indices were observed under the application of 20 kg N/ha with 5 t FYM/ha. Clusterbean + sesame (2:1) with application of 20 kg N + 5 t FYM/ha was more advantageous and saved 50% recommended dose of N fertilizer.