Effect of inter and intra row pacing on yield and economics of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.)

Abstract

Significantly higher number of pods per plant (442.73) was recorded with 144 cm x 60 cm spacing when compared to closer spacing of 90 cm x 30 cm (336.40). Pod weight per plant is also one of the important yield attributing traits, where wider spacing of 144 cm x 60 cm recorded significantly higher pod weight per plant (257.18 g plant-1), when compared to narrow spacing like 90 cm x 30 cm (189.97 g plant-1). Number of seeds per pod is another important yield attributing traits and was higher at a spacing of 144 cm x 60 cm (5.80) as compared to the spacing of 90 cm x 30 cm (4.77). Closer spacing of 90 cm x30 cm recorded significantly higher seed yield (2266 kg ha-1) when compared to other spacings tested viz., 90 cm x 45 cm (1718 kg ha-1), 120 cm x 30 cm (1898 kg ha-1). Among the different spacings, the spacing of 90 cm x 30 cm recorded higher cost of cultivation (₹ 17,000 ha-1) as it consumed higher seed when compared to other row spacings. Further it also recorded higher gross returns (₹ 80310 ha-1), higher net returns (₹ 63, 310 ha-1) than other spacings and B: C ratio was also higher in spacing of 90 cm x 30 cm (3.72) when compared to all other spacings.