Nutrient depletion by pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) and weeds as influenced by intercropping systems and weed management under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons of 1994 and 1995 at New Delhi to study the uptake of nutrients by pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and weeds a s affected by intercropping systems and weed control methods. Sole pigeonpea recorded significantly higher seed yield than its intercropped stand. The N, P and K removed by pigeonpea and weeds were higher in sole stand of pigeonpea than in its intercropped stand either with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) or with mungbean (Phaseolus radiatus). Nutrient uptake by pigeonpea was significantly higher due to hand weeding followed by fluchloralin and unweeded check. Nutrient removal was maximum in weedy P- - check followed by fluchloralin and hand weeding. C Key words: Pigeonpea, Cowpea, Mungbearr, Intercropping system, Rainfed