Productivity of Ethiopian Mustard + Chickpea Intercropping System Influenced by Moisture Conservation Practices and P and S Fertilization

The traditional practice of mixed cropping has gained popularity in recent years in the form of intercropping with a suitable modification in planting pattern. Intercropping legumes with non-legume crops is a common practice in the semi-arid tropics of India. Present study was conducted on Ethiopian mustard and chickpea intercropping system with moisture conservation practices and different levels of P and S. Effect on yield attributes and yield of the crops in intercropping system was also examined. Higher seed and stover yield was obtained in sole stand of both crops, but yield attributes of intercropping system remained at par with sole stand of crops except dry matter production. Moisture conservation and P and S nutrition also improved yield attributes of both the crops except their respective seed weight and test weight. Highest seed yield of both the crops (Ethiopian mustard-1.69 and chickpea-1.58 t ha−1) was obtained with application of 60 kg P2O5 + 30 kg S ha−1. Intercropping system of Ethiopian mustard and chickpea when provided with moisture conservation like FYM@ 5 t ha−1 + Organic mulch + Kaolin 6 % spray and P and S application @60 kg P2O5 ha−1 + 30 kg S ha−1, respectively, would be a viable option to increase the productivity of these crops in dryland areas.