Performance of senna Cassia angustifolia Vahl in different cropping systems in northern dry zone of Karnataka

Abstract

Two field experiments were conducted under rainfed conditions during rabi seasons newlineof 2004-05 and 2005-06 and two field experiments during kharif season of 2005-06 at newlineRegional Agricultural Research Station, Bijapur, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad newlineon medium black soils to assess the performance of Senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl) in the newlineexisting cropping systems of northern dry zone of Karnataka. In the experiment on newlinecomparative performance of senna with different rabi crops, the sole crop of senna recorded newlinesignificantly higher leaf yield (880.13 kg ha-1) and pod yield (342.45 kg ha-1) over intercropped newlinesenna. Intercropping of chickpea + senna recorded significantly higher senna equivalent yield newline(1872.86 kg ha-1), gross returns (Rs. 37, 457 ha-1), net returns (R. 27, 098 ha-1) and B:C ratio newline(2.62). In another experiment on comparative performance of senna with rabi sorghum and newlinesunflower at different row proportions, the sole crop of senna recorded significantly higher leaf newline(894.64 kg ha-1) and pod (335.41 kg ha-1) yield as compared to intercropped senna. newlineIntercropping of sorghum with senna in 1:3 row proportions recorded significantly higher newlinesenna equivalent yield (1232.15 kg ha-1), gross returns (Rs. 24, 643 ha-1), net returns (Rs. 16, newline108 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.89). The experiment on comparative performance of senna with newlinecotton, pigeonpea and castor at different row proportions, the sole crop of senna recorded newlinesignificantly higher leaf (952.64 kg ha-1) and pod (357.86 kg ha-1) yield as compared to newlineintercropped senna. Intercropping of senna with cotton in 1:1 (1671.48 kg ha-1, Rs. 33, 429 newlineand Rs. 21, 271 ha-1) and 1:2 (1734.38 kg ha-1, Rs. 34, 687 and Rs. 22, 529 ha-1) row newlineproportions recorded significantly higher senna equivalent yield, gross returns and net newlinereturns, respectively. In the experiment on comparative performance of senna with pearlmillet, newlinegroundnut and sunflower at different row proportions, the sole crop of senna recorded newlinesignificantly higher leaf (964.33 kg ha-1) and pod (358.62 kg ha