Productivity and Economics of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) based Intercropping Systems in Vertisols under Rainfed Conditions

A filed experiment was conducted at zonal Agricultural Research Station, Babbur Farm, Hiriyur during the rainy seasons of 2008 and 2009 to study different intercrops in castor (Ricinus communis L.,) in versitols of rainfed conditions. Paired row systems of castor intercropped with cluster bean in 2:4 row proportion gave significantly highest castor equivalent yield (2400 kg ha⁻¹) closely followed by castor intercropped with cluster bean in 1:3 row proportion. The LER was highest (1.70) with castor + cluster bean in 2:4 proportion while the net returns were greater when castor was intercropped with cluster bean either in 2:4 (Rs. 40485 ha⁻¹) or 1:3 (Rs. 37273 ha⁻¹) row proportion. The benefit: cost ratio was highest with castor + cluster bean in 2:4 row proportion (3.49) and castor + cluster bean in 1:3 row proportion (3.26). The sustainable value index (0.87) and rain water use efficiency (0.44 kg m⁻³) were highest with paired row of castor + cluster bean in 2:4 row proportions.