Impact of Intercropping Systems on Growth and Yield Performance of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm of Rabindranath Tagore University, Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, during the rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23. The soil in the experimental field was slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7.72, moderate salinity (EC 0.1.31 dSm^-1), and low organic carbon content (0.41%). Initial soil fertility was characterized by low levels of available nitrogen (209.20 kg ha^-1), slightly low available phosphorus (13.07 kg ha^-1), and low available potassium (173.76 kg ha^-1). The experiment was arranged in a Split Plot Design with three replications.

The study demonstrated significant improvements in growth parameters, including the Number of branches (000 ha^-1), Number of Nodules (000 ha^-1). Intercropping chickpea and linseed, combined with improved cultivation practices, led to notable enhancements in yield attributes such as the number of pods per plant, 1000-seed weight (g), and grain, straw, and biological yields. Moreover, the chickpea equivalent seed yield (q ha^-1) increased significantly with these intercropping and cultural practices.

Among the different intercropping systems evaluated, the chickpea + linseed system in a 5:1 row ratio achieved the highest grain yield, surpassing other intercropping methods while nearing the yields of sole chickpea and linseed crops. This system also recorded the highest pooled chickpea equivalent yield (19.21 q ha^-1) over the two years, underscoring its superiority in enhancing productivity and resource efficiency.