Effect of irrigation scheduling, mulching and cereal intercropping on growth and yield of vegetable indianbean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] under south Gujarat conditions

Abstract

A field trial was carried out at college farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat) during rabi 2023-24 and 2024-25. The experiment was laid out in 4 x 3 split plot design with main plot treatments namely, I1M1- 0.6 IW/CPE without mulch; I1M2- 0.6 IW/CPE with mulch; I2M1- 0.8 IW/CPE without mulch; I2M2- 0.8 IW/CPE with mulch and subplot treatments namely, S1- Sweetcorn + Indianbean (1:1) (Normal planting); S2- Sweetcorn + Indianbean (2:2) (Paired row planting); S3- Sole indianbean resulting in twelve treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The soil of the experimental field was clayey in texture, low in organic carbon and available N, medium in available P2O5 and high in available K2O during both the years respectively. The outcomes of the study indicated that initial and final plant population was recorded highest in sole indianbean (S3) followed by S1 (1:1) and S2 (2:2). Among the irrigation scheduling, mulching and intercropping treatments 0.8 IW/CPE with mulch (I2M2) and sole indianbean (S3) recorded significantly higher Plant height, dry matter, no. of pods per plant, pod yield and stover yield. The interaction effect was found to be significant in case of pod and stover yield in pooled results. The lowest Weed dry weight and the highest weed smothering efficiency was recorded in 0.6 IW/CPE with mulch (I1M2) and sweetcorn + indianbean (2:2) (S2). System productivity and profitability were recorded highest in 0.8 IW/CPE with mulch and sweetcorn + indianbean (1:1) treatments.