Economics and yield advantages of Sugarcane and Sugarbeet intercropping system in Northern Karnataka

Abstract

Field trials were conducted during two consecutive kharif seasons of 2010-11 and 2011-12 at University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad to evaluate tropical sugar beet cultivars (Cauvery, Shubhra, Magnolia and Calixta) with different row proportions (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3) in sugarcane. There were seventeen treatment combinations laid out in randomised complete block design with three replications. On the basis of results obtained from pooled analysis of two years data, Intercropping of Sugarcane + sugar beet (irrespective of sugar beet cultivars) in 1:2 and 1:3 RP recorded significantly higher net returns (Rs.196845 to 208766 ha-1 & Rs.184429 to 197398 ha-1 in 1:2 and 1:3 RP, respectively) but B:C was significantly higher in 1:1 RP (3.25 to 3.29). Similarly with respect to intercropping yield advantages, sugarcane + sugar beet (irrespective of sugar beet cultivars) in 1:2 and 1:3 RP recorded significantly higher sugarcane equivalent yield (SEY) (122.43 to 128.03 t ha-1 & 119.24 to 125.32 t ha-1 in 1:2 and 1:3 RP, respectively), LER (1.66 & 1.65to 1.67 in 1:2 and 1:3 RP, respectively), ATER (1.08 & 1.05 to 1.07 in 1:2 and 1:3 RP, respectively) and SPI (184.89 to 206.93 & 183.89 to 204.21 in 1:2 and 1:3 RP, respectively),when compared to 1:1 RP [(SEY:116.02 to 118.45 t ha-1), (LER: 1.40 to 1.41),(ATER:1.00 to 1.01) and (SPI:160.30 to 185.06)].