Production potential of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) and greengram (Phaseolus radiatus) intercropping patterns in semi arid tract of Haryana

A 2 year field study was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 1999 and 2000, to evaluate different planting patterns of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and greengram (Phaseolus radiatus L.) intercropping in different row spacings. Higher monetary advantage (Rs 7,1971ha) and benefit : cost ratio (1.67) were recorded with sole pigeonpea at 45 cm row spacing and these were reduced with the increase in row spacing. All the intercrop ping patterns were superior in terms of pigeonpea equivalent yield and land equivalent ratio to sole crops. Among different intercropping patterns, pigeonpea (75 cm) greengram 1 :2 ratio gave the highest total yield (2,352 kglha), net returmand benefit : cost ratio (2.09). Greengram as an intercrop in different systems gave significantly lower , grain yield compared to sole crop. However, 1:2 ratio of planting resulted in the higher seed yield of intercrop com pared to 1 :1 ratio system irrespective of row spacing.