Performance of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) Based Intercropping Systems in South Gujarat: Growth, Yield and Resource Optimization

Rabi 2023-24 to evaluate the performance of castor (Ricinus communis L.)-based intercropping systems in South Gujarat conditions.The experimental soil was clayey (Vertisols) with low available N (240.42kg/ha), medium PO (39.58 kg/ha) and high KO (338.28 kg/ha) with a slightly alkaline pH (7.68).The experiment followed a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments: T (sole castor), T (sole green gram), T (sole Indian bean), T (sole sorghum), T (sole sweet corn), T (castor + green gram (1:2)), T (castor + Indian bean (1:2)), T (castor + sorghum (1:2)) and T (castor + sweet corn (1:2)).Results showed that castor plant height was 39.62 cm at 30 DAS, 79.20 cm at 60 DAS and 147.59 cm at harvest.Intercrop heights at harvest were 75.45 cm (green gram), 73.80 cm (Indian bean), 154.20 cm (sorghum) and 152.70 cm (sweet corn).Yield attributes of castor included a main spike length of 49.85 cm, three spikes per plant and 68.2 capsules per spike leading to a seed yield of 1,625 kg/ha and stover yield of 3,004 kg/ha.Green gram yielded 750.23 kg/ha, the highest among intercrops.Oil content (48.67%) was highest in sole castor while T had the highest harvest index (47.81).T (castor + green gram) proved superior optimizing resource use and productivity.However, challenges such as competition for nutrients, moisture and light among intercrops along with pest and disease management complexities being constraints for yield optimization.Additionally, variations in maturity periods created dif iculties in synchronized harvesting and to increase resource utilization.Despite these challenges this study made signi icant contributions by identifying an ef icient intercropping system that enhances overall productivity and pro itability.The indings revealed the agronomic advantage of castorgreen gram intercropping in terms of yield optimization, better land use ef iciency and improved soil fertility management.Thus this research provides a sustainable approach for farmers for ensuring the enhanced income and diversi ied production while maintaining soil health in South Gujarat.