Growth and yield of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) and garlic (Allium sativum) in intercropping system

Geranium planted in paired row arrangement (40/80 cm) significantly increased the total herb and essential oil yields over the conventional method (60x30cm). The former yielded 20.6% more herbage and 22.3% of essential oil in comparison to geranium in conventional method of planting. Application of N at 160 kg ha⁻¹ significantly increased the total herb and oil yields of geranium to the tune of 81.68 & 50.47% and 72.1 & 14.7% over control and 80 kg N ha⁻¹, respectively. The inter crop of garlic also responded well to applied N and gave significantly higher yield at 160 kg N ha⁻¹. Further increase in N level did not influence herb and essential oil yield at a significant level. Garlic as an intercrop in geranium paired row system fed with 160 kg N ha⁻¹ gave an economic return of 101.00% higher than the conventional planting method.