Effect of chickpea based intercrops and organic nutrient modules on soil physico chemical properties

Abstract

The study investigates the effects of chickpea-based intercropping systems and organic nutrient modules on soil physico-chemical properties. Conducted during the rabi season of 2022-23 at the Centre for Organic Agriculture Research and Training, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, the experiment was designed using a strip plot with treatments including sole chickpea and chickpea intercropped with coriander, linseed, and sorghum. Organic nutrient modules applied were organic farming, natural farming, and an integrated approach combining both. The results showed that intercropping systems, particularly chickpea + coriander, enhanced soil pH, organic carbon, and available nutrient content (N, P, K) compared to sole chickpea cropping. However, the integration of organic and natural farming practices generally yielded better soil health indicators than individual approaches. These findings suggest that intercropping with chickpea and using integrated organic management can improve soil quality, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.