Evaluation of intercropping patterns of soybean (Glycine max) in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)

A field experiment was conducted during rainy season of 1995, 1996 and 1997 to evaluate the intercropping pattern of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] under protective irrigation. The highest soybean yield was obtained in sole soybean, however, it was at par with paired planting of soybean (30/90) + 1 row of pigeonpea and planting of soybean and pigeonpea in 3:1 row proportion. Sole planting of pigeonpea gave significantly highest pigeonpea yield. Planting of soybean and pigeonpea in 3:1 row proportion recorded the highest soybean-equivalent yield, land-equivalent ratio, benefit cost ratio and maximum gross as well as net returns/ha.