Response of Dhaman grass (Cenchrus setigerus) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) to intercropping row ratios and integrated plant nutrient management in semi-arid region

摘要

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2003 and 2004 at the Research Farm of Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar (Rajasthan), India, to evaluate the production potential of Cenchrus in association with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) under different row ratios and integrated plant nutrient supply system. The results revealed that Cenchrus+cowpea in 1:2 row ratio produced significantly higher growth attributes viz. plant height, dry matter production plant-1, tillers plant-1 in Cenchrus and branches plant-1 in cowpea. The maximum green fodder (12.80 tonnes ha-1), dry matter production (3.69 tonnes ha-1) and crude protein content (12.69%) were obtained from mean data on intercrops of Cenchrus and cowpea in 1:2 row ratio. The net return (Rs. 24764 ha-1) and benefit:cost ratio (2.55) were also maximum and when Cenchrus and cowpea were sown at a row ratio of 1:2. In case of fertility schedules, 40 N kg ha-1+60 P₂O₅ kg ha-1+bacterial inoculation produced significantly taller plants, more number of tillers plant-1 in Cenchrus and branches plant-1 in cowpea and dry matter production plant-1 in both the crops than other fertility levels. The maximum green herbage yield (12.47 tonnes ha-1), dry matter production (3.55 tonnes ha-1) and crude protein content (12.51%) were recorded when nutrients were applied at 40 N kg ha-1+60 P₂O₅ kg ha-1+bacterial inoculation followed by 40 N kg ha-1+60 P₂O₅ kg ha-1. Higher net returns and benefit:cost ratio were realized with the application of 40 N kg ha-1+60 P₂O₅ kg ha-1 alongwith bacterial inoculation (Rs. 22535 ha-1 and 2.86).