Effect of intercropping of groundnut and cowpea with mustard (Brassica juncea L.) on biomass production and nutrient balance under Konkan condition

A field experiment on “Intercropping of groundnut and cowpea with mustard (Brassica juncea L.)” was conducted during rabi, 2018-19 at Agronomy Farm, College of Agriculture, Dapoli (M.S.) with objectives to quantify the effect of intercropping on main as well as intercrops in terms of their growth, yield, quality, N, P, K uptake and economics of intercropping systems. Conclusionary finding are abstracted below. The intercrops like groundnut and cowpea being leguminous crops, improved the growth performance of mustard. However, growth performance of both the intercrops was better under their sole stands. The yield attributes and yield of mustard was improved due to intercropping system. In general, within the intercropping systems, when mustard was grown with groundnut, yield performance of mustard was better, followed by mustard + cowpea. Maximum values of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium content in grain and straw of mustard and quality parameters were recorded in case of mustard + groundnut in 3:1 proportion. However, total uptake of these nutrients was higher at sole cropping. For the production of higher total biomass, mustard equivalent yield (MEY) and to earn more net profit, mustard + groundnut intercropping system should followed in 1:1 row proportion.