Comparative performance of upland rice (Oryza sativa)-based intercropping systems under rainfed conditions of Vindhyan region

A field experiment was conducted during 1988-1989 on sandy clay-loam soils of Vindhyan plateau under rainfed conditions, to maximize the productivity of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.)-based intercropping systems. The normal-sewn rice (Oryza sativa (L.) intercropped with sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) was more compatible and advantageous than other combinations. The highest yield recovery of rice (94.8% and sesame (83.3%) was recorded from this system. Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and blackgram or urdbean (Phaseolus mungo L.) were equally competitive with normal or paired-row-sown rice, but reduced the yield of rice by 7.8 and 11% in normal sown and 10.9 and 10.5% in paired-row-sown rice respectively. All the growth parameters and yield attributes of rice were favourably more under sole cropping, followed by normal rice intercropped with sesame. This combination recorded the highest rice-equivalent yield (48.09 q/ha) and yield advantage (78%), followed by paired rice + sesame intercropping system.