Effect of green leaf manuring and nitrogen application on growth and yield of rainfed easter (Ricinus communis) alley cropped with white popinac (Leucaena leucocephala)

A study was conducted for 2 years (1995 and 1996) on productivity of rainfed castor (Ricinus communis L.) alley cropped with white popinac [Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit] with conjunctive application of green leaf manuring and nitrogen. The result showed that the seed yield of castor was significantly higher in alley cropping of castor 598.9 kg/ha (1995) and 474.5 kg/ha (1996) compared with the sole cropping (473.7 and 265.5 kg/ha during 1995 and 1996 respectively). Incorporation of green leaves of white popinac at 5 tonnes/ha 10 days before sowing of castor increased the seed yield of castor significantly both in alley cropping (669.4 and 511.5 kg/ha) in 1995 and 1996, respectively and in sole cropping with values of 531.2 kg/ha (1995) and 315.4 kg/ha (1996) over without green leaf manuring. Significantly low seed yield of castor was noticed at zero and 40 kg N/ha compared with the 80 kg N/ha during 1995 (710.6 kg/ha) and 1996 (384.9 kg/ha). Combined application of green leaves of white popinac with 40 kg N/ha produced significantly more seed yield of castor both in alley cropping with values of 708.3 kg/ha (1995) and 559.3 kg/ha (1996) and sole cropping (575.7 and 318.6 kg/ha during 1995 and 1996 respectively) over separate application of 80 kg N/ha without green leaf manuring. Similar response was observed in dry matter production, crop growth rate and nitrogen uptake of castor to all the treatments.