Effect of row direction and row spacing on micro-climate in castor based intercropping system

Abstract

The field experiment entitled “Effect of row direction and row spacing on microclimate in castor based intercropping system” was conducted during the kharif season of 2017-18 at Regional Research station, Bawal, CCS HAU with the objective of quantification of microclimate, relation of microclimate with growth and yield of castor, The experiment was laid out in split plot design and replicated thrice with 12 treatment combinations comprised of two row direction (East-west and North-south) as main plots and six treatments comprised by two row spacing 180cm x 60cm and 240cm x60cm, two intercrops such as mungbean and fenugreek in 1:4 and1:6 combinations. The results indicated that higher air temperature and PAR observed in North-south whereas relative humidity was higher in East-west. Air temperature and PAR had negative effect on plant height whereas relative humidity on number of branches per plant and number of capsules per spikes.