PRODUCTION OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max L.) AS COTTON BASED INTERCROP

Abstract

Cotton-based intercrop of soybean was grown for two years i.e. 1996-97 and 1997-98 at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Cotton cultivar NIAB-78 was planted in 80-cm apart single rows and 120-cm spaced double row strips with the help of a single row hand drill. Experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with split arrangements in four replications. Planting patterns were kept in main plots and intercropping systems in sub-plots. Intercrop was sown in the space between 80-cm apart single rows as well as 120-cm spaced double row strips. Growing of cotton in 120-cm spaced double row strips proved superior to 80-cm spaced single rows. Intercropping resulted in significant reduction of seed cotton, however, inter crop of soybean not only covered this loss but also increased over all productivity. Long term residual effects of different intercropping  systems on the productivity of the following crops, residual soil fertility, and resource base degradation need to be monitored to plan strategies leading to sustainable agricultural productivity.