Growth and yield of fodder cowpea intercropped in coconut garden as influenced by spacing and nutrients levels

Abstract

The present investigation is entitled “Growth and yield of fodder cowpea intercropped in coconut garden as influenced by spacing and nutrients levels” was conducted during Rabi 2022 at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture Vellayani to Standardization of spacing and nutrient requirement for fodder cowpea intercropped in coconut garden. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with two factors, namely spacing (S) [s1- 20 cm × 15 cm, s2- 30 cm × 15 cm, s3- 40 cm × 15 cm and s4- broadcasting)] and nutrient levels (N) [n1-75% RDF (18.75: 45: 22.5 kg N: P2O5: K2O ha-1), n2 100% RDF (25: 60: 30 kg N: P2O5: K2O ha-1), n3 125% RDF (31.25: 75: 37.5 kg N: P2O5: K2O ha-1)] with three replications. The experimental plot was red sandy loam, acidic in reaction, medium in organic carbon, low in available nitrogen, high in available phosphorus and medium in available potassium status. Among the different plant spacing, 20 cm x 15 cm spacing produced higher plant height, whereas spacing of 30 cm x 15 cm produced higher number of branches and leaves per plant, green and dry fodder yield. It was found that the nutrient levels of 125% KAU RDF resulted in higher plant height, number of branches and leaves per plant, green and dry fodder yield. However, the plant spacing of 30 cm x 15 cm along with the nutrient level of 125% KAU RDF produced higher number of branches and leaves per plant, green and dry fodder yield which was found superior over other treatments.