Yield and Economic Advantage of Pigeonpea Based Intercropping System under Different Farming Practices in Rainfed North Karnataka, India

Abstract

Aims: The field experiment was conducted during kharif 2021-2022 with an aim to study yield and economic advantage of various intercropping system modules for different farming practices in rainfed areas of North Karnataka at Dharwad, Karnataka. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a  strip plot design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at  experimental plots of Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Dharwad, during  kharif  season of 2021-2022. Methodology: The vertical factor comprised of six farming practices, while horizontal factor included  five intercropping systems making a total of 30 treatments, each replicated twice. Results: Pigeonpea + groundnut under conventional practice (2094 kg ha⁻¹) and 100% organic practice (2057 kg ha⁻¹) recorded significantly higher pigeonpea equivalent yield (PEY), with net returns being highest under conventional practice (Rs.107,249 ha⁻¹). Conclusion: It can be concluded that following pigeonpea + greengram and pigeonpea + groundnut with conventional practice is more productive as well as profitable. Next best practices would be pigeonpea + greengram and pigeonpea + groundnut with 100 per cent organic practice and 50 per cent organic + 50 per cent inorganic practice if premium price is assured for organic produce.