Performance of gram (Cicer arietinum) and indian mustard (Brassica juncea) as inter-row crops with wheat (Triticum aestivum) under different moisture and salinity levels.

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 1994-95 and 1995-96 on silty loam soil (Inceptisol), to study the relative response of different wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.)-based intercroppings, viz wheat + indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] and wheat + gram (Cicer arietinum L.) to varying moisture regimes (IW: CPE 0.4 and 0.8) and irrigation water salinity levels (0.4, 6 and 12 dS/m). Growth and yield (4.489 tonnes/ha) of wheat crop increased with increasing frequency of irrigation water when its salt level was EC 6 dS/m. However, decreasing trend in growth and yield was observed with further increasing the salinity (EC 12 dS/m) of irrigation water. Growth and yield (0.018 tonnes/ha) of gram decreased significantly with increasing frequency and salinity of irrigation water. However, yield ( 0.873 tonne/ha) of indian mustard increased significantly with the increase in irrigation frequency even with saline water of EC 12 dS/m. Indian mustard was found most tolerant to both salt and moisture stress, while gram was very sensitive to salt stress. Water-use efficiency increased at both salinity levels but the increase was greater (9.92 %) at lower salinity level. The water-use efficiency decreased with increasing moisture regimes. it was lowest (121.06 kg/ha/cm) in wheat + Indian mustard intercropping.