Effect of Raya (Brassica juncea) row directions on Chickpea yield, Water use and Economics under different Intercropping patterns in Submontanous region of Punjab

A Field experiment was conducted to evaluate the productivity potential of chickpea in relation to raya intercropping in different planting patterns and row orientation under rainfed conditions. All the chickpea based intercropping systems resulted in higher chickpea equivalent yield (CEY) as compared to sole cropping. The sowing of chickpea in north-south direction recorded 10.2% higher mean seed yield over its sowing in east-west direction. Intercropping of raya with chickpea 3.0–3.5m apart resulted in highest mean crop equivalent yield, net returns and B: C ratio as compared to other treatments. The water use was not influenced appreciably under different planting pattern, however it was higher in N-S row direction. The results also demonstrate the impact of extent and distribution of rainfall particularly under rainfed conditions.