Effect of manurial schedules on growth and yield of different cropping systems under rainfed alley system

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 1993-94 to 1995-96 at Jhansi, to study the different food-fodder cropping systems and manurial schedules under rainfed conditions. Significantly higher grain and stover yields of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] were obtained in sorghum + pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] intercropping system as compared with other intercropping systems. Sorghum + cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] intercropping gave significantly more green fodder and dry-matter yields and sorghum grain-equivalent yield than the other intercropping systems. Among the different manurial schedules, combined application of organic and inorganic sources of plant nutrients resulted in significantly higher grain and stover yields of sorghum, green fodder and dry-matter yields of fodder crops and sorghum grain-equivalent yield as compared to 100% through inorganic fertilizers application.