Performance of Different Root Vegetables in Mustard-based Intercropping Systems: Effects on Weed, Nutrient Dynamics and Yield

Abstract

The experiment was conducted during rabi (November-March) 2022 at Agricultural Research Station, Adilabad, Telangana, India to evaluate the effect of mustard-based intercropping with root vegetables on weed dynamics and nutrient uptake. The study was laid out in a randomized block design with 13 treatments comprising sole crops of mustard, radish, beetroot, carrot and potato, along with intercropping systems in 2:2 and 3:3 row ratios.  Results revealed that intercropping significantly reduced weed density and dry matter compared to sole cropping. Among treatments, mustard+radish (3:3) recorded the lowest weed density (3.90 and 5.93 m^-2), dry weight (12.10 and 24.12 g m^-2) along with the highest weed smothering efficiency (25.18% and 29.05%) at 30 and 60 DAS, respectively which resulted in higher mustard equivalent yield (3964 kg ha^-1). This combination was even effective at 2:2 ratio. Nutrient uptake varied significantly among treatments, with mustard+potato (3:3) recording the highest total nitrogen uptake (90.97 kg ha^-1), while mustard + carrot (3:3) recorded maximum phosphorus (30.86 kg ha^-1) and potassium uptake (146.31 kg ha^-1). Intercropping systems showed higher total nutrient uptake than sole mustard, indicating improved resource use efficiency due to complementary interactions between component crops. However, the available soil N, P and K status at harvest remained non-significant across treatments. mustard-based intercropping with root vegetables, particularly in a 3:3 row ratio, proved effective for weed suppression and enhanced nutrient utilization, in particular mustard+radish at 2:2 and 3:3 combination be considered as a sustainable approach for improving productivity and resource efficiency in cropping systems.