Nutrient management in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) - based cropping systems

A field experiment was conducted on clayey soils during the rainy seasons of 1999–2003 at Parbhani, to study nutrient management in cotton (Grossypium hirsutum L.)-based intercropping systems. Sole cotton recorded significantly higher seed-cotton yield than cotton + blackgram (Phaseolus mungo L.) and cotton + soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] intercropping systems. However, highest and significant cotton-equivalent yields were recorded in cotton + blackgram intercropping, followed by cotton + soybean than sole crop of cotton. Further, yield of seed cotton, intercrop and cotton equivalent were enhanced significantly with every higher fertilizer level and highest values were recorded with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). The performance of cotton + blackgram (1:1) with 100% RDF was better than all the treatments for cotton-equivalent yield and net monetary returns. The uptake of NPK by cotton was significantly more under sole cotton and cotton intercropped with blackgram than the cotton intercropped with soybean. Application of 100% RDF recorded significantly higher NPK uptake by cotton than 75% and 50% RDF.