Effect of sowing time and intercropping on the yield of coriander under rainfed vertisol condition

Field experiments were conducted during rabi 1997-98 and 1999- 2000 at Regional Research Station Aruppukottai to find out the optimum time of sowing and suitable intercrops for coriander under rainfed vertisol condition. November first week was found to be the optimum time for the sowing of coriander sole crop where as October last week was for coriander intercropping system. Among the intercrops tested, onion was found suitable for intercropping with coriander under rainfed vertisol condition. November first week sown coriander sole crop had recorded higher yields, 143 and 103 kg/ba during 1997-98 and 1999-2000 respectively. During 1999- 2000, October last week sown intercropping system had produced more coriander yield equivalent (498 kg ha-1), higher gross income (Rs.7969/ha-1) and net income (Rs.4837/ha-1) with 2.31 and 1.109 as benefit- cost ratio and LER values. Among the intercropping systems followed, during 1999-2000, coriander + onion intercropping system in 1:1 ratio had recorded significantly the highest equivalent yield (871 kg ha-1), more gross income (Rs.11939/ha-1) and net income (Rs.943 9/ha-1) with a benefit cost ratio of 3.10.