Growth, yield attributes and seed cotton (Gossypium spp) yields as influenced by intercrops and nutrient management under saline black soils of Gujarat.

An experiment was conducted during 2001-04 on intercropping of pulses and nutrient management in cotton (Gossypium spp) grown on saline black soils of Gujarat. The results revealed that seed cotton yield data decreased significantly with inclusion of blackgram (Phaseolus mungo L.) as an intercrop as compared to sole cotton crop in two out of three years. It remained statistically at par with clusterbean (Cymopsis tetragonoloba L. Taubert) in all 3 years while with soybean (Glycine max L. merr) it was at par in three out of three years. A general decline in average yield with intercrop than sole cotton was noticed. It showed that cluster bean could be grown as an intercrop in cotton without much adverse effect on seed cotton yield. The results of nutrient management revealed that with each successive increase in nitrogen levels with basal application of 40 kg phosphorus/ha, the seed cotton yield increased significantly up to 80 kg N/ha, though the highest seed cotton yields were obtained with 100 kg N/ha.