Performance of Pearl Millet and Pulses Based Intercropping System under Rainfed Condition

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2022 at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore to study the performance of different pearl millet-based intercropping with legumes under rainfed condition. Greengram (Vigna radiata), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and redgram (Cajanus Cajan) were sown as intercrops in replacement series of 4:1 and 6:1 row ratio. The result of the study indicated that intercropping of blackgram and redgram with pearl millet in 4:1 gave higher total grain yield (25503.0 kg/ha) and stover yield (4927.1 kg/ha) compared to the sole cropping of pearl millet under rainfed condition. Other intercropping indices like grain equivalent yield, land equivalent ratio, relative crowding coefficient, competition index and income equivalent ratio were calculated. Intercropping system of pearl millet + blackgram (4:1) recorded the higher net returns (Rs. 81,621/ha) and B:C ratio (2.42).

Evaluation of Maize and Pulses Intercropping System under Rainfed Condition in Western Zone of Tamil Nadu, India

A field experiment was conducted in rabi seasons (2022) at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore to study the maize-based intercropping with different legumes under rainfed condition as there are less research work regarding intercropping of maize in this area. Greengram (Vigna radiata), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) were selected as intercrops in 4:1 and 6:1 row ratio. The result of the study indicated that intercropping of greengram and cowpea with maize (Zea mays L.) in 4:1 gave higher total grain yield and stover yield compared to the sole cropping of maize under rainfed condition. Other intercropping indices like grain equivalent yield, land equivalent ratio, relative crowding coefficient, competition index and income equivalent ratio were calculated. Intercropping system of maize + greengram (4:1) recorded the higher net return and B: C ratio followed by it maize+ cowpea (4:1). Therefore, under rainfed conditions of western zone of Tamil Nadu, maize + greengram 4:1 intercropping system may be suggested to get greater net return and B: C ratio.