Production potential and economic returns of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) based intercropping system as influenced by planting pattern and nutrients levels

A field experiment was carried out during the kharif season of 2015 and 2016 to find out the best pigeonpea based intercropping system and planting pattern along with optimum dose of nutrients to intercrops. Present study revealed that yield attributes and yield of pigeonpea were not adversely affected by different planting patterns and nutrient levels applied to intercrop during both the years. Pigeonpea planted at 50 × 25 cm with maize fodder as intercrop recorded highest pigeonpea equivalent yield of 1840 and 1895 kg/ha during 2015 and 2016, respectively. Application of 100% recommended dose of nutrient to intercrop also significantly increased the pigeonpea equivalent yield (1629 and 1732 kg/ha) over 50% of recommended dose and control during both years. Pigeonpea (50 × 25 cm) + maize fodder fetched significantly higher net returns (Rs. 61191 and 68764/ha), B: C (1.7 and 2.0) and per day income (Rs. 453 and 509/ha/day) than other intercropping systems during both the years. Higher net returns (Rs. 50694 and 59568/ha) were recorded with 100%  recommended dose of nutrient applied to intercrops as compared to net return  with 50% of recommended dose (Rs. 43752 and 53344/ha) and control (Rs. 39163 and 46535/ha)  during both the years. B: C and per day income were also recorded maximum with 100% of nutrients applied to intercrops during both the years.