Impact of row ratio and nutrient management on performance of clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) + sesame (Sesamum indicum) intercropping system

A field experiment was conducted during rainy ( khar if) season of 2005 to 2007 at Kukma, Bhuj, (Gujarat) in sandy soil to study the effect of row ratio and nutrient management on sustainability of clusterbean [ Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] + sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.) intercropping system under arid condition. Treatments comprised of 15 combinations of cropping systems, viz. sole clusterbean, sole sesame, clusterbean + sesame in 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 row proportions and nutrient management, viz. the control, 40 kg N/ha and 20 kg N + 5 t FYM/ha. Intercropping declined the seed yield of clusterbean by 30% compared to sole crop (mean of 3 years 0.71 t/ha). However, clusterbean-equivalent yield (0.92 t/ ha), net returns (Rs 6,251/ ha) and benefit : cost (B : C) ratio (1.67) were higher with clusterbean + sesame (2 : 1) intercropping system over the corresponding values of 0.71, 3,572 and 1.41 in sole clusterbean. Irrespective of the cropping system, application of 20 kg N + 5 t FYM/ha recorded significantly higher clusterbean-equivalent yield (1.036 t/ha), net monetary returns (Rs 7,793/ha) and B: C ratio (1.79) than of 40 kg N/ha alone and the absolute control. Addition of 5 t FYM/ha along with 20 kg N/ha gave 8.5 and 9.8% higher uptake of N than of 40 kg N/ha and the control respectively. The sustainable yield index (SYI) and sustainable value index (SVI) were higher with clusterbean + sesame under 2:1 row ratio (0.74, 0.76), and the highest SYI (0.81) and SVI (0.82) indices were observed under the application of 20 kg N/ha with 5 t FYM/ha. Clusterbean + sesame (2:1) with application of 20 kg N + 5 t FYM/ha was more advantageous and saved 50% rec- ommended dose of N fertilizer.