Effects of spatial arrangement, intercropping and fertilization on Capsicum annuum and Glycine max productivity under Grewia based agroforestry system in the western Himalayas

Intercropping can enhance productivity per unit of land by utilizing resources more efficiently. The productivity of vegetable-legume intercrops may be affected by factors such as the spatial arrangement of the crops and nutrient sources. However, there is limited understanding of how planting conditions influence productivity in the western Himalayas. The impact of within-row spatial arrangements of intercrops compared to distinct-row systems under on-farm conditions has not been explored in this region. This study was conducted during 2019-2021 in Randomized Block Design having crops Capsicum annuum [Bell pepper (C)]: Glycine max [Soya bean (S)] in Kharif season with three factors viz. two planting condition (Grewia based agroforestry system and open condition), six intercropping patterns (I 1 1:1 row system, I 2 1:2 row system, I 3 2:1 row system, I 4 2:2 row system, I 5 0:1 row system and I 6 1:0 row system) and 3 nutrient sources (T 1 :RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertilizer) with FYM, T 2 :Jeevamrit @500 l/ha (5%) and T 3 : No manure). The results revealed that growth and yield parameters of capsicum-soybean cropping systems were higher under open conditions. Higher growth and yield parameters of capsicum were recorded in sole cropping while, soybean performs better in 2:2 intercropping patterns on application of RDF. The total Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) under the different intercropping patterns were greater than 1, indicating yield advantage. Higher competitive ratio values of Capsicum indicated that Capsicum was more competitive than soybean. Hence, it is concluded that 1:1 row system of Capsicum annum - Glycine max with application of RDF along with FYM under Grewia based agroforestry system is eluded as most cost effective combination.