Effect of Planting Geometry and Duration of Intercrops on Performance of Pigeonpea-Finger Millet Introcropping Systems.

A field experiment was conducted during the wet seasons of 2001–2003 to study the effect of planting geometry and duration of intercrops on production potential, economics and energy relationship of pigeonpea[Cajanus cajan(L.) Milsp.] + finger millet [Eleusine coracana(L.)Gaertn] intercropping systems. Early duration pigeonpea (UPAS 120) and intercropping at 2:4 row ratio was found superior to medium duration pigeonpea (TTB 7), and intercropping at 2:8 row ratio with regard to productivity, economics and energy output. Both long (‘PR 202’) and medium (‘Bhairabi’) duration finger millet varieties remained at par with each other on the above aspects. Among the intercropping systems ‘UPAS 120" pigeonpea + ‘Bhairabi’ finger millet at 2:4 row ratio appeared to be compatible, biologically efficient and economically viable with significantly higher pigeonpea seed equivalent yield (1.32 t/ha), land equivalent ratio (1.42), area time equivalent ratio (1.38), monetary advantage (Rs 5868), net return (Rs 8566/ha), return/rupee investment (1.74), energy output (93700 MJ/ha), energy-use efficiency for economic (237 g/MJ) and biological produce (747 g/MJ). It was closely followed by ‘UPAS 120’ pigeonpea + ‘PR 202’ finger millet at 2:4 row ratio.