Effect of different inter cropping systems on nutrient uptake, yield and profitability in ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi Sprague) production

Abstract

A field experiment comprising 10 treatments viz., sole ajwain, sole french radish, sole knolkhol, sole fenugreek, ajwain 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 ajwain with French radish in 1:1 row ratio resulted significantly higher land equivalent ratio (1.81), ajwain equivalent yield (3274 kg/ha), gross return (Rs.327388/- ha), net return (Rs.270238/- ha) and BCR (4.72) followed by intercropping of ajwain with french radish in 2:2 paired row ratio. Inclusion of legumes in intercropping system has impacted residual availability of nutrients after harvesting of ajwain. Intercropping of ajwain with fenugreek in 1:1 and 2:2 recorded significantly higher availability of residual N, P, and K after harvesting of crop. Thus, it is inferred that intercropping of ajwain with french radish in 1:1 row ratio is better for realizing higher yield and profitability but higher residual availability of N,P and K after harvesting of crop can realized with inter cropping of coriander and fenugreek in 1:1.