Impact of levels of irrigation and fertility gradients on dry matter production, nutrient uptake and yield on chickpea (Cicer arietinum) intercropping system.

A field investigation was carried out during rabi season of 2005–06 and 2006–07 in the Agronomy Research Farm of Amar Singh (P.G) College, Lakhaoti (U.P), to study the influence of four levels of irrigation [(no irrigation, irrigation at first critical stage of chickpea (pre-flowering stage), irrigation at second most critical stage of chickpea (pod formation), combination at first and second most critical stages of chickpea (pre-flowering stage and pod formation)] and three fertility gradients [(20: 40: 10 kg N, P and S/ha, 40: 60: 20 kg N, P and S/ha and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) 20-60-20 (N P and S) for both the crops)] on chickpea and mustard sole and intercropping system with variety of Avrodhi (chickpea) and B-70 (mustard). Cropping system did not influence mustard DMP but it did with chickpea. The application of two irrigations (I3) recorded the highest dry matter accumulation and application of recommended dose of fertilizers on area basis to both the crops (F3) recorded the highest dry matter. Similar, influence also noticed in nutrient uptake and yield. The intercropping of chickpea and mustard in 4:1 ratio was significantly superior as compared to sole crops of either chickpea or mustard. Cultivation of chickpea was better as compared to mustard. Irrigation during pre-flowering and pod filling stage of chickpea resulted in higher yield. Application of recommended dose of fertilizers (20:60:20, N:P:S) on area basis to both the crops was also superior.