Performance of onion garlic and coriander as intercropping with chilli

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at the research field of regional agricultural research station (RARS), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Cumilla during 2020-21 to find out the suitable crop combination of onion, garlic and coriander with chilli for increasing total productivity, economic return and maximizing land utilization through intercropping system. Seven treatments were viz., T₁ = Sole chilli (50 cm × 50 cm) , T₂ = Two rows of onion in between two rows of chilli (15 cm × 10 cm), T₃ = Two rows of garlic in between two rows of chilli (15 cm × 10 cm), T₄ = 100% coriander (leaf) in between two rows of chilli, T₅ = Sole onion (15 cm × 10 cm), T₆ = Sole garlic (15 cm × 10 cm), T₇ = Sole coriander. The trial was set up in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that different intercrop combination significantly influenced yield and yield contributing characters of chilli. The yield of chilli was comparatively lower in intercropping than sole chilli but total productivity was increased due to additional yield of onion, garlic and coriander. Increased total productivity in terms of chilli equivalent yield (CEY) was 14.05 to 16.88 t/ha in intercrop combination compared to sole chilli 9.13 t/ha (main crop). All the intercrop combinations showed better performance in terms of chilli equivalent yield, gross return and benefit cost ratio (BCR) over sole crops. Among the intercrop combinations two rows of onion (15 cm x 10 cm) in between two rows of chilli (50 cm × 50 cm) was found feasible and profitable intercropping system in respect of chilli equivalent yield (16.88 t/ha), gross return (Tk.675200/ha), gross margin (Tk. 526800/ha) and benefit cost ratio (4.32).

Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 48(4): 513-519, December 2023