Effect of planting methods and intercrops on productivity and economics of castor (Ricinus communis)-based intercropping systems

An experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 2001 and 2002 at Udaipur, to evaluate productivity and economics from intercropping greengram (Vigna radiata L.), blackgram (Vigna mungo L.), clusterbean [Cymopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) with castor (Ricinus communis L.) in uniform and paired rows systems of planting. Paired row planting (601120 cm) gave the maximum seed yield (41.84 qlha), castor-equivalent yield (47.50 qlha), land-equivalent ratio (1.52) and monetary advantage, followed by paired row planting at 801160 cm and uniform row planting at 90 cm x 60 cm. Castor intercropped with greengram recorded higher values of yield attributes and yielded maximum castor-equivalent yield, land-equiva- lent ratio, net returns and benefit : cost ratio over sole castor, castor + sesame and castor + clusterbean intercrop- ping systems, but remained at par with castor + blackgram intercropping system.