Productivity, economics and competitive indices of lentil (Lens Culinaris)-based intercropping systems in Kashmir valley

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during winter seasons of 2005-06 and 2006-07 at Shalimar, Srinagar to study the productivity and profitability of lentil (Lens Culinaris Medik)-based intercropping systems. Eleven lentil based cropping systems viz., lentil sole, brown sarson (Brassica campestris L. var. brown sarson) sole, oats (Avena sativa L.) sole, lentil+brown sarson 1:1, lentil+brown sarson 2:1, lentil+brown sarson 4:1, lentil+brown sarson 6:1, lentil+oats 1:1, lentil+oats 2:1, lentil+oats 4:1 and lentil+oats 6:1, were tested in randomized block design with three replications. Number of pods/plant of lentil were significantly higher in sole crop followed by 6:1 and 4:1 row ratio of lentil + brown sarson and lentil + oats systems, respectively. Significantly higher siliquae/plant was recorded in intercropping systems compared to sole brown sarson. Seed yield of lentil (1.46 t/ha) and brown sarson (1.37 t/ha) was highest in sole stand. Based on lentil seed equivalent yields (1.47 t/ha), net returns (Rs 25,750) and B:C ratio (3.32), lentil + oats in 2:1 was found the best. It was closely followed by sole lentil.