Effect of planting patterns and ghanjivamrit rates on yield and weed dynamics of maize (Zea mays L.) soybean (Glycine max L.) intercropping system

A research trial was conducted at Zero Budget Natural Farm of the Department of Organic Agriculture and Natural Farming, CSKHPKV, Palampur in 2020 and 2021 to study the effect of planting patterns and rates of ghanjivamrit in the maize-soybean intercropping system on weed dynamics and crop productivity. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design and replicated thrice. The main plots comprised four planting patterns: furrow after two rows of maize, furrow after three rows of maize, furrow after four rows of maize, and flatbed. The subplots include rates of ghanjivamrit: 0, 500, 1000, and 1500 kg/ha. Results revealed that the growth attributes of maize and soybean, viz., plant height (244.24 and 60.89 cm, respectively) and dry matter accumulation (789.44 and 206.78 g/m², respectively), were highest in the planting pattern where furrows were opened after two rows of maize at harvest. This treatment also resulted in the highest maize grain equivalent yield (61.78 q/ha) compared to other methods and had a significant impact on weeds, with notably lower weed density (8.4/m²) and biomass (10.4 g/m²) at harvest. Additionally, the application of ghanjivamrit 1500 kg/ha significantly improved both growth attributes and maize grain equivalent yield (63.16 q/ha) compared to the control. However, the lowest total weed density (8.8/m²) and dry weight (10.1 g/m²) were recorded in plots where no ghanjivamrit was applied, compared to plots with higher rates of ghanjivamrit. In conclusion, the furrow after two rows planting pattern and the 1500 kg/ha rate of ghanjivamrit are effective options for enhancing crop growth and yield. It is recommended that farmers go for furrowing after two rows of maize planting patterns and lower rates of ghanjivamrit, i.e., 500 or 1000 kg/ha, to balance crop productivity with weed control.