RATIONALIZATION OF MINERAL NITROGEN FERTILIZATION AND ITS IMPACTS ON PROFITABILITY OF INTERCROPPING SESAME WITH COTTON

A two-year field experiment was conducted at Sakha Agricultural Research Station in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt, during the summer seasons of 2023 and 2024. The treatments involved three nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates (60, 75, and 90 kg N/fed) for cotton and four different sesame plant densities (12.5%, 25.0%, 37.5%, and 50.0% of sole planting). This study aimed to identify the optimal N fertilizer rate and sesame plant density for intercropping with cotton to increase the yield of both crops, land-use efficiency, and economic return in the North Delta region. A split-plot design was employed to conduct the experiment, with four replicates for each treatment. Sesame plant densities were dispersed throughout the subplots, while N fertilizer rates were assigned to the main plot. The results showed that an intercropping system consisting of 100% cotton and 50% sesame on a 140 cm wide bed with 75 kg N/fed produced the highest yield of both crops. One row of sesame, with two plants per hill spaced 15 cm apart, was planted in the center of the beds, while cotton was planted on both sides. This led to enhanced seed yield and quality for both crops, along with improved Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) and economic returns.