Effect of Seaweed Application on the Growth, Yield and Physiological Parameters in the Intercropping Farming System.

Abstract

The present study demonstrates the application of biostimulants during the cultivation of wheat and chickpeas in intercropping farming. This study examined the effect of seaweed on the increasing amount of nitrogen, yield, and nutrient quality of wheat and chickpeas. In north India, rabi crops were grown for three seasons from 2019 to 2021 in the intercropping farming system. The main crop (wheat) was sown with chickpea (legumes) to enhance the yield of two crops in one season as chickpea also helps in nitrogen fixation in soil. There was a total of 36 rows each of 6 m, of which nine rows each were for wheat and chickpea and the other nine were for one row of wheat and another of chickpea. Results of the study, exhibit the significant effect of the amount of nitrogen which was a maximum of 4.33 mg/kg in intercropping treated with seaweed as compared to intercropping with control 4.23 mg/kg. AE (Agronomic Efficiency) in the intercropping with seaweed treatment was 3.27 kg/kg as compared to 3.23 kg/kg in the control. The yield and harvest index of seaweed with intercropping was higher than intercropping in control with chemical fertilizers like urea. Hence, biostimulants along with intercropping were found to be effective in increasing the yield and nutritional value of crops.