Influence of legumes and their planting geometry as intercrop with potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) on productivity and soil N fertility.

摘要

A study was conducted to evaluate the yield, N uptake pattern and soil N balance in potato (Solanum tuberosum) + legume intercropping during the rabi seasons of 2001-02 and 2002-03 in Imphal, Manipur, India. Peas (Pisum sativum), gram (Cicer arietinum) and broad bean (Vicia faba) were tested as intercrops in potato for two seasons. The results revealed that potato + gram intercropping at 2:1 and 1:1 row ratio combinations produced higher yields over sole potato cropping. A higher uptake of N was also observed in the said intercropping systems compared to that of sole potato cropping. Aside from a higher N uptake, better N soil balance were observed in these intercropping systems as indicated by positive soil N balance, while that of sole potato cropping showed a negative balance.