Organic nutrient management in intercropping systems for increasing fodder yield and soil fertility in semi-arid Rajasthan

An experiment was conducted at ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar during kharif season (2012 and 2013) for improving the productivity and profitability of mixed pasture involving cenchrus grass (Cenchrus setigerus) and dolichos (Dolichus lablab) legume. The nutrient management involving organic sources comprised contr ol, sheep manure (10 t/ha), vermicompost(3 t/ha) and sheep manure (5 t/ha) + vermicompost(1.5 t/ha) were evaluated. The results revealed that green and dry fodder yield, protein content and nutrients increased significantly (P<0.05) under different row proportions of Cenchrus and Dolichos. The maximum green fodder yield of 13.98 t/ha, dry fodder 4.22 t/ha and protein 84.3 kg/ha was recorded in 1: 2 row ratio of Cenchrus and Dolichos. There was 23.52% increase in organic carbon content under 1: 2 row ratio in comparison to initial soil status. Nitrogen (9.18 and 15.48%), phosphorus (21.05 and 34.30%) and potassium (4.53 and 7.06%) increased maximum in 1: 2 row ratio than 1: 1 and 2: 1 row ratios. The net returns (Rs. 21606/ha) and benefit: cost (2.29: 1.00) were the highest in 1: 2 row ratios. The application of sheep manure (5 t/ha) + vermicompost (1.5 t/ha) produced maximum green fodder (12.68 t/ha), dry fodder (4.43 t/ha) and protein (87.6 kg/ha). The organic carbon content enhanced by 38.23% with the application of both organic manures in their half doses compared to initial soil status and nitrogen (44%), phosphorus (39.7%) potassium (27.37%) also increased significantly (P<0.05) with the use of sheep manure (5 t/ha) + vermicompost (1.5 t/ha). Application of sheep manure (5 t/ha) + vermi-compost (1.5 t/ha) resulted in maximum net return of (Rs 23881/ha)