Productivity and economics of integrated nutrient management in soybean (Glycine max) + pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) intercropping system

A field experiment was conducted during rainy season (kharif) 2002 and 2003 to study the effect of nutrient management on productivity and economics of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] intercropping system. The maximum soybean and pigeonpea yield under intercropping system was recorded with 75% of recommended dose of fertilizers + 5 tonnes farmyard manure/ha and recommended dose of fertilizers + 5 kg Zn /ha respectively. Significant reduction in seed yield of soybean (18-36%) and pigeonpea (32-47%) was noticed when planted under intercropping systems with different fertility levels compared with their sole plantings. The yield reduction in case of intercropped pigeonpea in rain deficient year 2002 (2648%) and rain sufficient year 2003 (35-51%) specifies that this crop is less sensitive to water deficit and more sensitive to water excess than the soybean. The maximum soybean equivalent yield and land equivalent ratio were recorded with recommended dose offertilizers + Zn during both the years. The application of recommended dose of fertilizers + Zn gave the maximum net monetary returns and remained at par with 75% of recommended dose of fertilizers + Zn and recommended dose of fertilizers alone. While the highest B: C ratio was associated with 75% of recommended dose of fertilizers + Zn.