Effect of different inter cropping systems on nutrient uptake, yield and profitability in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) production

Abstract

A field experiment comprising 10 treatments viz., sole coriander, sole french radish, sole knolkhol, sole fenugreek, coriander intercropping with french radish, knolkhol and fenugreek in 1:1 and 2:2 row ratio was conducted in Randomized Block Design with four replications during rabi season, 2016-17 at research farm of ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer. Intercropping of coriander with french radish in 1:1 row ratio resulted significantly higher land equivalent ratio (1.83), coriander equivalent yield (4272 kg/ha), gross return (Rs.341728/- ha), net return (Rs.283228/- ha) and BCR (4.84) followed by intercropping of coriander with french radish in 2:2 paired row ratio. Inclusion of legumes in intercropping system has impacted residual availability of nutrients after harvesting of coriander. Intercropping of coriander with fenugreek in 1:1 and 2:2 recorded significantly higher residual availability of N, P, and K after harvesting of crop. Thus, it is inferred that intercropping of coriander with french radish in 1:1 row ratio is better for realizing higher yield and profitability but residual availability of N, P and K after harvesting of crop can be realized in inter cropping of coriander with fenugreek in 1:1 ratio