Impact of organic nutrient management and row ratios on the economics and productivity of an Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) + chickpea (Cicer arietinum) intercropping system

Abstract

At the Indian Agricultural Research Institute's research farm in New Delhi, a field experiment was carried out in
the winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 to determine the best cropping system with the ideal row
ratio and nutrient management techniques for Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.] + intercropping
strategy for chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.). The major plots were cropping systems such as mustard sole,
chickpea sole, mustard + chickpea 2:5, and mustard + chickpea 5:2. Practices for managing nutrients, like as
control, 60 kg nitrogen/ha, and 20 kg 20 kg of nitrogen from leaf and farmyard manure To achieve a greater
level of accuracy, nitrogen from farmyard manure + leaf manure + microbial consortia was collected as sub-
plots. The yield of the intercropping system in terms of mustard equivalent yield was found to be the greatest for
mustard + chickpea 5:2 row ratio, despite the fact that the individual crop yields of mustard and chickpea were
the highest in the solo crop. Plots treated with a mixture of organic manures and microbial consortia—that is, 20
kg nitrogen via farmyard manure + leaf manure @4 t/ha + microbial consortia—showed the greatest yields of
both mustard and chickpea. The mustard + chickpea 5:2 row ratio had the highest gross returns, net returns, and
benefit-cost ratio. The mustard + chickpea 5:2 row ratio showed the greatest intercropping benefit when treated
with organic manures and microbial consortia, according to an analysis of intercropping indices. The land
equivalent ratio of intercropping systems was greater than unity, indicating an advantage. The mustard crop
outperformed the chickpea crop according to aggressivity scores.