Weather determinants of fodder oat productivity in legume-cereal intercropping systems of North Konkan of Maharashtra

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of intercropping fodder oat (Avena sativa L.) with fodder cowpea and fodder rice bean on plant population and yield in the subtropical North Konkan Coastal Zone. The study, laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 13 treatments, included various replacement series ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:1, and 3:1) and respective sole crops. Weather data and soil characteristics were also recorded. The study was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024-25 at the Agricultural Research Station, Palghar. The sandy clay loam soil was found to be low in available nitrogen but high in phosphorus and potassium. Weather conditions were generally favorable, with temperatures between 13.5∘C and 35.5∘C and high humidity (77–92%). However, rainfall was minimal, totaling only 57.6 mm during the study period, highlighting the need for irrigation. The plant population demonstrated a clear trade-off based on the intercropping ratio. Oat-dominant ratios (2:1 and 3:1) resulted in the highest oat population and yield, while legume-dominant ratios (1:2 and 1:3) favored legume growth and suppressed the oat population due to increased competition. The 1:1 ratio showed a balanced competition, yielding moderate returns for both crops. The legumes' ability to fix nitrogen was crucial for the system's success in the nitrogen-deficient soil, with the intercropping system as a whole showing greater resilience to the dry weather than sole crops might. This study provides valuable guidance for farmers, demonstrating that the selection of an optimal intercropping ratio can significantly influence plant populations and final yields, allowing for the strategic management of fodder production in the region's unique climate.