Yield, equivalent yield and economics of castor as influenced by different castor (Ricinus communis L.) based cropping systems in North Gujarat agro-climatic condition

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the years 2011-12 and 2012-13 to study the effect of different castor-based cropping systems on yield, castor equivalent yield and economics of castor in North Gujarat Agro-climatic condition on loamy sand soils of Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with four replications comprising ten treatments viz., T1 : Castor sole, T2 : Greengram + castor (2:1), T3 : Cowpea + castor (2:1), T4 : Groundnut + castor (2:1), T5 : Sesamum + castor (2:1), T6 : Greengram-rabi castor, T7 : Castor-summer pearl millet, T8 : Castor-summer greengram, T9 : Castor-summer sesamum and T10 : Castor-summer mothbean. Number of spikes per plant and capsules per spike were recorded statistically equal number in all the cropping systems except, T2 [Greengram + castor (2:1)], T3 [Cowpea + castor (2:1)], T5 [Sesamum + castor (2:1)] and T6 (Greengram-rabi castor). Among all the cropping sequences castor sole and groundnut + castor inter cropping system produced significantly higher seed and stalk yield of castor. Inter cropping system groundnut + castor (2:1) recorded significantly maximum CEY (5141 kg/ha). Maximum net realization of ₹ 1,13,595/ha was obtained with groundnut + castor (2:1) system but benefit: cost ratio registered higher with sole castor (2.87). Growing of groundnut + castor (2:1) as intercropping system produced higher castor equivalent yield and secured maximum net realization under North Gujarat Agro-climatic condition.