Effect of cropping systems and fertilizers on pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) in pigeonpea-wheat sequence

A field experiment was conducted at New Delhi during 1997-98 and 1998-99 on sandy-loam soil analysing low in N and medium in available P, K and S. The growth and yield attributes, and yield of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] in sole pigeonpea and pigeonpea intercropped with blackgram (Phaseolus mungo L.) did not differ significantly. A significant increase in growth and yield attributes, and yield of pigeonpea was noted with each increment of fertilizer dose up to 100% of recommended dose. The wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol) following pigeonpea or blackgrarn ( stover incorporated) intercropping recorded markedly higher growth and yield attributes, and yield of wheat over wheat following sole pigeonpea and pigeonpea or blackgram (stover removed) intercropping. The residual effect of fertilizers applied to preceding crops on wheat was marked up to 75% of the recommended dose in 1998-99 only. The wheat crop responded favorably up to direct application of 75% of the recommended dose of fertilizers in respect of yield attributes and yield. The highest mean net return was obtained from pigeonpea or blackgram (stover incorporated-wheat cropping system, where rainy-season crop and wheat were fertilized with 100 and 75% of the recommended dose of fertilizers respectively.