Production potential and competitive ability of wheat (Triticum aestivum) + Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) intercropping under varying row ratio, farmyard manure and fertilizer level of middle Gangetic Plain of India

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2010–11 and 2011–12 at the research farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to evaluate the production potential and competitive ability of wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend Fiori & Paol.] + Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] intercropping under different row ratios and fertility levels of Middle Gangetic Plains of India. Among the row proportions, 8: 1 row proportion recorded significantly higher yield parameters (grains/spike, spikelets/spike, 1, 000-grain weight and yield as well as straw yield in wheat, and number of siliqua/plant and seeds/siliqua of Indian mustard). However, seed and stover yields of Indian mustard was higher in 6: 2 row ratio which was at par with 8: 2 and 10: 2 raw ratios. Significantly higher land-equivalent ratio, aggressivity index and economics were registered with row ratio of 8: 1 over 10: 2, 8: 2, and 6: 2. An application of 15% or 30% N through farmyard manure (FYM) + 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) significantly enhanced yield attributes and yield of wheat and Indian mustard. However, benefit: cost ratio was higher with application 15% N FYM + 100% RDF.