Performance of intercrops and levels of fertilizers in cotton AKH- 9916 (Gossypium hirsutum) under dryland condition

The present study was conducted in vertisols during the year 2015-16 to 2017-18 at All India Coordinator Research Project for Dryland Agriculture, Dr. PDKV, Akola (M.S.). The main objectives of the study was to know the suitable row proportions and fertilizer levels in cotton + vegetable intercropping system for higher production and economic returns under dryland conditions of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. On the basis of pooled data, results revealed that sowing of cotton at 90 x 20 cm spacing recorded significantly higher seed cotton yield (1354 kg ha-1) and found being at par with the treatments of intercropping of cotton + cowpea (1329 kg ha-1) and cotton + clusterbean (1310 kg ha-1) in 1:1 row proportion than rest of the treatments. The lowest seed cotton yield was recorded in the treatments of cotton + okra in 1:1 and 1:2 row proportion i.e.890 and 733 kg ha-1 respectively. Intercropping of cotton + cowpea and cotton + clusterbean in 1:1 row proportion found being at par in respect of cotton equivalent yield (2373 and 2347 kg ha-1), NMR (Rs. 62,622/- and 64,907/- ha-1), B:C ratio (2.10 and 2.13) and rainwater use efficiency (3.62 and 3.58 kg ha-1 mm-1). An application of 125 % RDF (75:37.5:37.5 NPK kg ha-1) recorded higher seed cotton yield (1156 kg ha-1) seed cotton equivalent yield (1992 kg ha-1), NMR (Rs. 50317/- ha-1) and the higher value of B:C ratio (1.95) and RWUE (3.07 kg ha-1 mm). The parameters such as crop productivity, system productivity, crop profitability and system profitability were also found being at par in the treatments of cotton + cowpea and cotton + clusterbean in 1:1 row proportion with 125 % RDF.