Effect of integrated nutrient management in soybean (Glycine max L.) and pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) intercropping on productivity, energy budgeting and competition functions

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2002 and 2003 to study the effect of nutrient management on productivity and economics of soybean and pigeonpea intercropping system. The maximum soybean and pigeonpea yield was with farmyard manure (FYM) @ 5t/ha + 75% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and Zn @ 5 kg/ha + RDF, respectively. Significant reduction in seed yield of soybean (18 to 36%) and pigeonpea (32 to 47%) was noticed in intercropping systems at different fertility levels as compared to their sole plantings. The maximum soybean equivalent yield and land equivalent ratio was recorded with Zn + RDF during both the years. The application of Zn + RDF produced the maximum net returns and remained at par with Zn + 75% RDF and RDF alone while the highest income equivalent ratio was associated with Zn + 75% RDF.