Variation in Canopy Temperature, Air Temperature and Relative Humidity Within wheat and Mustard Canopies under Sole and Intercropped Situations

A two year field experiment was conducted at the B.C.K.V., Mohanpur, West Bengal (Lat. 22˚58' N and long 88˚31' E) to study the diurnal variation of air temperature, canopy temperature and Relative humidity within crop canopy under wheat and mustard intercropping system. Wheat and mustard were sown in five different combinations (T1- sole wheat, T2- sole mustard, T3- two wheat rows alternated with six mustard rows, T4- four wheat rows alternated with four mustard rows and T5- six wheat rows alternated with two mustard rows) in a plot of 54 m2with six replications in a RBD. Results revealeda gradual increase in canopy temperature of both the crops till 11.30 h and thereafter declined. There was no significant variation between sole and intercropped treatments on most of the dates of observation indicating a conducive environment under intercropping rather than stress. Air temperature above the crop was marginally higher than temperature within the canopy. In mustard, air temperature within the canopy was marginally higher. Relative humidity within the canopy was higher under intercropping than sole crops of wheat and mustard. During 65 to 80 DAE, mean relative humidity increased to a great extent within mustard canopy as compared to above the canopy.