Influence of inter cropping systems with varying fertility levels on yield and profitability of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)

Abstract

An experiment on effect of intercropping system and fertility levels on yield and profitability of
fennel was conducted at NRCSS, Ajmer during rabi season of 2003-04.The experiment consisting four levels
of fertilizers (75 kg N+30 kg P2O5,90 kg N+40 kg P2O5,105 kg N+50 kg P2O5,120 kg N+50kg P2O5 per ha ) and six
levels of intercropping system viz. fennel+ radish (1:1), fennel+ radish (1:2), fennel + radish (2:2),fennel+
carrot (1:1), fennel + carrot (1:2), fennel + carrot (2:2) was conducted in factorial randomized block design
with three replications. Application of increasing levels of fertilizers significantly increased fennel yield,
carrot/ radish yield, fennel equivalent yield, gross return, net return and BCR and highest yield and economic
return was obtained with the application of 120 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 ha-10-. The fennel based intercropping
system in association of carrot with all ratios resulted higher yield and profitability as compared with radish
at respective intercropping ratio. The highest fennel yield (17.35 q ha-1), fennel equivalent yield (26.42 q ha-1)
gross return (Rs 66050/- ha-1), net return (Rs 38584/- ha-1) and BCR (1.40) was obtained in 1:1 intercropping
ratio of fennel and carrot followed by with 1:2 ratio. Thus, sowing of fennel and carrot in 1:1 ratio with
application of 120 kg N +50 kg P2O5 is best for realizing the higher system productivity and profitability.