Physiological Evaluation of redgram-based cropping system on crop growth and competitiveness in Samai

The small millet with legume intercropping system benefits small farmers by reducing environmental risk and improving yield potential due to low input and enhanced soil fertility. Due to climate changes, the significant reduction in agricultural by-products is caused by water scarcity, increasing temperatures, and variations in solar interception, leading to yield reduction. Planting both cereal and legume intercrops on the same piece of land helps reduce cultivation costs and effectively utilize resources. The different plant heights improve light interception, enhancing photosynthetic efficiency. The main focus of this research was to determine the yield advantage of a millet and legume-based intercropping system under rainfed conditions. Improving yield and water use efficiency were assessed by an 8:2 samai with redgram intercropping system compared to others. During Kharif 2016-2019, a study was carried out at the Centre of Excellence in Millets, Athiyandal, Tiruvannamalai district. Three replications of the experiment were carried out using a Randomized Block Design. In rainfed conditions, the morphological and physiological responses of samai planted with red gram showed a favourable correlation with yield components. Samai intercropped with red gram at 8:2 row ratio recorded the highest dry matter production and grain yield.