Yield and economics of pigeonpea-millet intercropping systems as influenced by integrated nutrient management

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25 at experiment farm of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Warangal, Telangana on sandy loam soils, to evaluate the effect of pigeonpea-based millet intercropping systems and integrated nutrient management on yield and economics of pigeonpea. The experiment comprised four intercropping systems sole pigeonpea, pigeonpea + finger millet, pigeonpea + foxtail millet and pigeonpea + browntop millet (1:4) in main plot treatments and four nutrient management practices involving different levels and sources of nitrogen in subplot treatments. Results revealed that sole pigeonpea recorded significantly higher seed yield (1610.84 kg ha⁻¹) and stalk yield (4099.73 kg ha⁻¹) with the highest benefit cost ratio (3.50), while intercropping reduced pigeonpea yield due to inter-specific competition. However, pigeonpea + finger millet (1:4) intercropping system produced the highest gross (₹171,331.89 ha⁻¹) and net returns (₹114,786.78 ha⁻¹), indicating its economic superiority. Among nutrient management practices, application of 125% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through inorganic fertilizers resulted in significantly higher seed yield (1536.82 kg ha⁻¹), stalk yield (3913.65 kg ha⁻¹), net returns (₹111,427.42 ha⁻¹) and B:C ratio (3.46). Harvest index was not significantly influenced by either intercropping systems or nutrient management practices. Interaction effects were non-significant for all parameters studied. Pigeonpea + finger millet intercropping system offered higher system-level economic returns and application of 125% RDN through inorganic fertilizers enhanced productivity and profitability of pigeonpea-based systems.