Influence of intercropping of cenchrus setigerus and dolichos lablab under integrated management of organic manure on forage yield and economic returns

A field experiment was conducted on sandy loam soil to explore the possibility of improving the productivity and economic profitability of intercropping Dhaman grass (Cenchrus setigerus) and Sem (Dolichos lablab) under different row ratios. The results showed that the maximum green fodder (145.67 q/ha), dry fodder (73.65 q/ha) and crude protein yields (84.34 kg/ha) were achieved under 2:1 (Dolichos:Cenchrus) row ratio as compared to 1:1 and 1:2 row ratios. The highest net returns (Rs. 21606/ha) and benefit: cost (2.29:1) was fetched with 2:1 row ratio. Application of 5 t/ha sheep yard manure + 1.5 t/ha vermicompost gave highest green fodder (143.46 q/ha), dry fodder (72.05 q/ha) and crude protein yields (87.62 kg/ha) followed by application of sole sheep yard manure @ 10 t/ha (119.65 q/ha green fodder, 65.21 q/ha dry fodder and 77.0 kg/ha crude protein yields). Integrated application of sheep yard manure and vermicompost gave the highest gross (Rs. 35774/ha) and net returns (Rs. 23881/ha).