Response of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L) to intercropping systems and fertility levels

Abstract

A field experiment entitled Response of Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L) to Intercropping Systems and Fertility Levels conducted during kharif 2024 at Agriculture farm, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur on sandy loam soil. Pearl millet + clusterbean (2:1) was significantly increased the seed, straw and biological yield of pearl millet as compared to sole cropping of pearl millet and remained statistically at par with pearl millet + cowpea (2:1). In case of nutrient management application of 60 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 significantly increased the seed, straw and biological yield by pearl millet as compared to control and 30 kg N + 15 kg P2O5 and remained statistically at par with 45 kg N + 22.5 kg P2O5. The intercropping in pearl millet + cowpea (2:1) recorded maximum pearl millet equivalent yield (3126 kg/ha) and proved significantly superior to pearl millet + clusterbean (2:1) (2894 kg/ha) and sole pearl millet (2114 kg/ha). The intercropping in pearl millet + cowpea (2:1) recorded maximum net return (Rs 74923 /ha) and proved significantly superior to pearl millet + clusterbean (2:1) (Rs 70380 /ha) and sole pearl millet (Rs 49012 /ha). The maximum net return and B: C ratio of pearl millet was recorded with 60 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 over to control and 30 kg N + 15 kg P2O5 but remained statistically at par with 45 kg N + 22.5 kg P2O5.