000			06797nam a22002057a 4500
999			_c291411 _d291411
082			_a630 _bSAB/PR PG
100			_aSabitha, B
245			_aProduction potential of sesamum -cowpea intercropping as influenced by row configuration and nutrient management
260			_aVellayani _bDepartment of Agronomy, College of Agriculture _c2024
300			_axx,191p.
502			_aMSc
520	3		_aThe study entitled “Production potential of sesamum - cowpea intercropping as influenced by row configuration and nutrient management” was undertaken at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2021-2023. The objectives were to assess the productivity and biological efficiency of intercropping sesamum with cowpea at varying row ratios and nutrient management, to evaluate the effect of intercropping on nutrient balance sheet of the soil, and to work out the economics of the system. The field experiment was carried out at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, from February 2023 to May, 2023. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with 3 x 2 x 2 treatments, replicated thrice. The treatments comprised combinations of three levels of N (n1-100 % RDN, n2-75 % RDN, n3-50 % RDN), two row ratios (r1-4:2, r2-6:3) and application of AMF (a1-without AMF, a2-with AMF). Sole crops of sesamum and cowpea raised for computing the intercropping indices. The varieties used for the study were Thilak (ACV-3) and PGCP-6 respectively for sesamum and cowpea. The fertilizer recommendation followed for sesamum was 30:15:30 kg NPK ha-1 and that for cowpea was 20:30:10 kg NPK ha-1 for cowpea. All other cultural practices were carried out as per the Kerala Agricultural University Package of Practices (KAU POP) recommendations. The treatment, n1 (100 % RDN) resulted in the highest dry matter production (7375 kg ha-1 ) of sesamum, and higher dry matter production (DMP) (7740 kg ha-1 ) of cowpea which was comparable with n2 (7150 kg ha-1 ). The treatment, n3 (50 % RDN) resulted in higher root depth (19.25 cm) of sesamum. The row ratio, 4:2 (r1) recorded the highest leaf area per plant (775.33 cm2 ) and LAI (2.10) in sesamum at 30 DAS. Sesamum planted at 6:3 row ratio (r2) recorded the highest root volume of (8.29 cm3 ). In cowpea, the highest leaf area per plant (849.01 cm2 ) and LAI (2.26) were recorded in the absence of AMF (a1), at 45 DAS. The treatment, a2 (with AMF), resulted in more primary branches (3.42) in sesamum at harvest. Among the N x R x A interactions, n1r1a2 resulted in higher DMP (9286 kg ha-1 ) in sesamum. The treatment, n1 resulted in significantly the higher stover yield (3053 kg ha-1 ) of sesamum. In cowpea, the treatment, n1 recorded significantly higher hundred seed weight (12.49g), haulm yield (5447 kg ha-1 ), and harvest index (HI) (0.23) and the highest number of pods per plant (34.4) and seed yield (1647 kg ha-1 ). The same treatment recorded more number of capsules per plant (77.7), the highest seed weight per plant (9.1 g) and HI (0.32) in sesamum. Sesamum exhibited more number of capsules per plant (66.42) and the highest seed weight per plant (8.36 g) at 6:3 row ratio (r2). The treatment without AMF (a1) resulted in the highest haulm yield (5369 kg ha-1 ) of cowpea, while and treatments with AMF (a2) resulted in the highest seed weight per plant (8.44 g) of sesamum, and test weight (12.22 g) and HI (0.24) of cowpea. Among the N x R x A interactions, n2r2a1 (75% RDN at 6:3 row ratio without AMF) resulted in higher seed weight per plant (10.7 g) and n2r2a2 resulted in more number of capsules per plant (87.5) in sesamum. The higher land equivalent ratio (2.40), relative crowding coefficient (66.18), sesamum equivalent yield (1801 kg ha-1 ) and percentage yield difference (1.48) were recorded with n1r2a1 (100 % RDN at 6:3 row ratio without AMF). Irrespective of the treatments cowpea showed higher aggressivity than sesamum. While the treatment combinations, n2r2a1 and n3r2a1 recorded the higher competition ratio for sesamum (0.61) and cowpea (3.27) respectively, n3r1a1 recorded the higher competition index (0.14). The treatment, n1 and the treatment combination, n1r1a2 resulted in the higher uptake of P (19.66 kg ha-1 , 24.85 kg ha-1 ) and K (44.84 kg ha-1 , 62 kg ha-1 ) in sesamum. Higher N uptake was noted with n2 and n2r2a1 (84.58 kg ha-1 , 102.3 kg ha-1 ). Among the levels of N, n1 (100% RDN) resulted in the higher N (242.35 kg ha-1 ), P (35.35 kg ha-1 ) and K (111.73 kg ha-1 ) uptake of cowpea. Potassium uptake of cowpea was the highest (114.60 kg ha-1 ) without AMF (a1). The NPK uptake of sesamum + cowpea were higher at 100 per cent RDN (324.51 kg N ha-1 , 54.98 kg P ha-1 , 156.59 kg K ha1 ). The higher K uptake of the intercropping system (153.94 kg ha-1 ) was noted in the absence of AMF (a1). The highest soil available P was recorded with the treatment n1 (70.53 kg ha-1 ) and the interaction n1a2 (72.55 kg ha-1 ). The treatments, r1 and a2 resulted in the highest available N (327.45 kg ha-1 , 329.57 kg ha-1 ) and P (67.08 kg ha-1 , 68.98 kg ha-1 ). Among N x R x A interactions, n2r1a2, n1r1a2 and n2r2a1 resulted in the higher net gain in available N (365.32 kg ha-1 ), P (40.92 kg ha-1 ), and K (212.37 kg ha-1 ) respectively. The highest partial factor productivity (PFP) of sesamum (37.28 kg kg-1 ) and cowpea (40.25 kg kg-1 ) and were observed with n2 and n1 respectively, whereas, the higher PFP (68.84 kg kg-1 ) of sesamum + cowpea was observed with n2. The treatment, n2 (50% RDN) resulted in the higher net income (₹29,7256 ha-1 ) and benefit cost ratio (3.14). Among the first order interactions, n1r2, r2a1 and n2a2 recorded the higher net income (₹29,4138 ha-1 , ₹26,0133 ha-1 and ₹29,5137 ha-1 ) and benefit cost ratio (3.28, 3.00 and 3.27). The monetary equivalent ratio of sesamum + cowpea was higher (133.08) with the treatment combination, n1r2a1. The results of the present study revealed the potential of sesamum + cowpea intercropping system to become productive and efficient. Irrespective of the treatments, the intercropping system resulted in positive nutrient balance sheet. Considering the sesamum equivalent yield, land equivalent ratio, percentage yield difference and economics, sesamum + cowpea at 6: 3 row ratio with recommended dose of nutrients as per the KAU POP (n1r2a1) could be a viable option for higher productivity and profitability
650			_aAgronomy
650			_aProduction
650			_aSesamum -cowpea
650			_aIntercropping
650			_aNutrient management
700			_aShalini Pillai, P (Guide)
942			_2ddc _cTH