Performance of pigeonpea and millets in intercropping systems under rainfed conditions

Field experiment was conducted during kharif season 2015-16 at Agriculture Research Station Almel, Sindagi taluk of Vijayapur district to study the performance of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) based millets intercropping systems under rainfed conditions. The results indicated that sole pigeonpea (T6) recorded significanlty higher grain yield (1918 kg ha-1) than the other intercropped pigeonpea while, the lowest grain yield (1349 kg ha-1) was recorded in pigeonpea + finger millet (T2) intercorpping system. Higher pigeonpea equivalent yield (PEY) recorded in pigeonpea + foxtail millet (2752 kg ha-1) and it was on par with pigeonpea + proso millet (2739 kg ha-1) in 1:2 row proportions while the lowest PEY was observed in pigeonpea + pearl millet (2001 kg ha-1) in 1:2 row proportion. Significantly lower soil moisture was recorded in pigeonpea + finger millet (8.99 cm, 9.40 cm, 8.98 cm)) at 30,60,90 and 120 DAS, respectively and it was on par with pigeonpea + foxtail millet (9.18 cm, 9.44 cm, 9.24 cm and 8.81 cm) at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAS, respectively compared to other intercropping and sole cropping treatments. Singificantly higher dry matter Sccumulation in sole pigeonpea (126.24 g plant-1) compared to other intercropped pigeonpea. Singificantly higher net returns (` 111457ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (B:C) (3.79) were recorded in pigeonpea + foxtail millet and it is on par with pigeonpea + proso millet intercropping systems in 1:2 row proportions.