Fertilizer N- and P-rates Response on sunflower intercropping with

15 Pages·2014·0.33 MB·English

Basic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Review ISSN 2315-6880 Vol. 3(12) pp. 146-160 December 2014
Available online http//www.basicresearchjournals.org
Copyright ©2014 Basic Research Journal

Full Length Research Paper

Fertilizer N- and P-rates Response on sunflower
intercropping with Mungbean in North-West, Pakistan

Murad Ali Khan1, Mohammad Akmal1 and M. Afzal2

1-2Department Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan.
3Department of SES, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan.

*Corresponding author email. [email protected]: Tel. [phone]

Accepted 18 November, 2014

Abstract

Intercrop mungbean in sunflower may increase yield, improve soil quality and use the resources (e.g.
air, water and light) more efficiently. We, therefore, compared mungbean intercropped in sunflower by
increasing N and P fertilizer rates. The given fertilizers rates were 30, 60, 90 kg ha-1 each for N and P O
2 5
including a control treatment (no N and P fertilizer) as sole sunflower, mungbean and their
intercropping in spring 2011 and 2012. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block
design with split plot arrangement at Agronomy Research Farm, the University of Agriculture Peshawar,
Pakistan. Results revealed that grain yield (kg ha-1) of sunflower crop did not differ as sole or intercrop
but did reported higher for mungbean as sole than intercrop which were due to healthier traits of the
mungbean crop as sole than intercrop. Fertilized than control obviously showed better yield and yield
traits of both sunflower and mungbean. Increased N-rates from 30 to 90 kg ha-1 showed a significant
(p<0.05) increase in yield of both sunflower and mungbean. This increase in yield of crops were mainly
associated with increase in head diameter, grain number per head and grains weight of sunflower and
likewise the pod number, grain per pod and grains weight of mungbean. Grain oil content of sunflower
and nodule number of mungbean were rather adversely affected by increase in N-rate to the crops.
Increase in P-rate to both crops increased grain yield with markedly increase in thousand grains weight
on sunflower and mungbean. The study suggested that intercrop mungbean in sunflower than sole
crop has a potential for further yield improvement of the cropping system. Research needs to identify
an appropriate variety as well as species for the better soil health and future production per unit return.

Keywords: N and P-rates, cropping systems, grain yield of sunflower and mungbean, yield traits of sole and
intercrop

INTRODUCTION

World population is consistently increasing at a very animal. Food production in Asia is growing well with a
faster rate. Nonetheless, this increase in world population variety of crops and variations in productions of the
is reported higher in developing countries as compared to crops. Growers are adopting different methodology for
the develop countries. Asia in comparison to the rest of increasing production of the food crops at par with
the continents is densely populated with human and population increase. However, huge variation still exist in
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Khan et al. 147

the amount of food production, their availability at par related issues has also adversely affected its cultivation
with the existing population of the different countries. For (PODP Annual Report, 2013). With a fragile canopy
example, Pakistan is acute deficient in the production of volume, sunflower can be intercrop with other crops (e.g.
edible oil (Munir et al., 2008). By consistently growing mungbean, mash-bean, cowpea, groundnut etc.)
population, the condition is getting more horrible every because Pakistan is already acute deficient in food-
next day (Iqbal et al., 2007). The density per unit area of legumes and fodder (Fraz et al., 2006). Mungbean seeds
population and urbanization is continuously expanding, contain 20-25% protein and famous as a poor man’s
which has unfolded the demand and indigenous oilseed meat (Potter and Hotchkiss, 1997). Biological N-fixation is
production, resulting a continuous price increase and a additional importance for the legumes. Pakistan’s soil is
sever decrease in the edible oil quality (Awais et al., also poor in fertility and cost of fertilizer is highly
2013). A rapid increase of local oil production should be fluctuating (Elahi et al., 2004). Imbalanced nutrient
the major concern for decision makers and experts to application with low soil fertility is major constraint limiting
control import bill and make available the affordable productivity of many crops in the developing countries
edible oil to low-income population that is in vast majority. (Awais et al., 2013). Intercropping is, therefore, a vital
Among the different growing oil seed crops, sunflower agricultural production system where two crops could be
(Helianthus annuus L.) is a non-conventional edible developed simultaneously on a single piece of land for a
oilseed crop, which has the ability to fulfill the existing period or full crop growth season for maximum resources
gap between domestic demands and production (Hu et utilization (Iqbal et al., 2008). It is an improvement on
al., 2008). It is widely distributed oil seed crop of the indigenous farming system by efficiently utilizing season
world (Allam et al., 2003) due to its adaptation with a and markedly increasing yield (Caviglia et al., 2004).
range of climatic conditions (Koutroubas et al., 2008). Sometime, crop is unable to compete economically with
The maximum seed oil content in sunflower ranging from other crops in the cropping system, intercropping can
40 to 47% (Saleem et al., 2003; Nasim et al., 2011). extend opportunities to replace that crop for sustainable
Among so many other factors, the desired quantity of farming system. An efficient and economical
nutrients i.e. Nitrogen and Phosphorus are effective intercropping system depends largely on selection of a
approach to improve sunflower yield (Ali et al., 2004; compatible crop or crop species that can be improved
Ozer et al., 2004; Osman, 2010). The rate of N-fertilizer through appropriate nutrient management (N and P) and
application to the crop is highly essential (Ali et al., 2012) well defined agronomic practices for relatively higher
to increase local edible oil production (Nasim et al., returns from the companion crop (Imran et al., 2011). In
2011), which makes it competitive with other crops in the this study, the focus was to improve understanding of
cropping system. Results have shown a favorable sunflower cultivation as intercrop with mungbean in
response of N-fertilizers rates on photosynthesis, leaf relation to different nutrients e.g. nitrogen and
area and leaf area index with increasing application of N- phosphorus rates. The yield and yield traits of sole main
fertilizer (Rouphael et al., 2007). Research has also crop with intercropping were compared for future
-1 cultivation.
shown that N-fertilizer rate of 100 kg ha was optimum

for the sunflower production and increased N-fertilizer

-1
rates from 100 to 150 kg ha has a reverse effect on
MATERIALS AND METHODS
both yield and oil content (Oyinlola et al., 2010). Hussain

et al. (2011) have reported that N-fertilizer application of
Location and experiment
-1
80 kg ha was sufficient to sunflower with the maximum
yield. However, the N-fertilizer rate for the crop is mostly Field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research
associated with soil fertility, quantity of N-fertilizer applied Farm, the University of Agriculture Peshawar in spring
to previous crop in the cropping system, environmental 2011 and 2012. Experimental site was located 34001″ N
conditions of the area and crop N-uptake demand etc. and 71o35″ E at 359 m above the sea level. Environment
(Laureti et al., 2007). Effective N-uptake and yield of the research farm was warm to hot, semi-arid
performance has a close link with phosphorus application subtropical continental climate with mean annual
and soil status (Awais et al., 2013). Efficiency of the given precipitation of about 360 mm. The soil was deep silt clay
N could be improved with sufficient P-fertilizer application loam, alkaline, pH ranges about 7.5–7.8 but relatively
rates to crops and its availability in soil on seed yield and deficient in N < 0.5 g kg-1. Rainfall and temperatures of
quality i.e. the oil content (Iqbal et al., 2008). the crop growth seasons are shown in the Figure 1.
Sunflower has a potential to grow as spring and Mungbean (Vigna radiate L.) as intercrop in the main
summer season crops in Pakistan. However, its area sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) were used to compare
under cultivation has decreased since 2007 due to low yield and yield traits. Sunflower hybrid (Hysun-33) and
economic returns as compared to maize in the cropping mungbean (Cv. Chakwal mung-06) were used to study
system. Beside production, handling and marketing the response of 30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1 each of N and P O
2 5
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148. Basic Res. J. Agric.Sci. Rev.

Figure 1. Weather data (temperature minimum and maximum, rainfall) of the crop growth
season in spring 2011 and 2012 at Agronomy Research Farm, the University of
Peshawar Pakistan.

nutrients given to sole and intercrop with a control no N individual head by averaging all for that treatment.
and P. Experiment was conducted in a randomized Similarly, ten representative plants of mungbean from
complete block design (RCBD) in a split plots border rows were uprooted with soil at flowering stage.
arrangement, where each treatment was replicated four The soil clumps were carefully washed and nodules were
times. Experimental unit was 3.0 m in length and 4.2 m in detached from the mungbean plants. First the number
width, accommodating six sunflower rows at 0.70 m were counted then the weight were recorded and
distances. Sole mungbean was planted at 0.35 m, averaged for a single reading.
accommodating 12 rows. For intercropping, alternate The number of pods plant-1 in mungbean was manually
rows of mungbean were planted in between the counted by harvesting all pods on ten randomly selected
sunflower rows. In addition to nutrients, one control plants taken from two central rows in a subplot and
treatment was also included. Crops (sole and. intercrop) averaged for a final mean value. Grains head-1
as treatment were allotted to the main plots and fertilizer (sunflower) and pod-1 (mungbean) were counted
rates (i.e. N and P) to the subplots. Urea and Single manually on ten randomly selected representative plants
Super Phosphate (SSP) were used to yield N and P, in an experimental unit. Grains were manually shelled
respectively. Both N and P were applied as band from sunflower heads and mungbean pods, already
application in close proximity to the sunflower crop. All P counted at harvest for the desired data. All grains were
was applied at sowing and N in two splits: half at sowing divided on total heads and pods for a mean reading.
and remaining half 30 days after sowing (DAS). Plant Thousand grains weight (g) was recorded from threshed
populations in experimental units were maintained by clean grains in a treatment by taking random samples
manual thinning 20 DAS (20 cm) in sunflower and 35 and counting grains and independently weight on a
DAS (10 cm) in mungbean. Crop was sown manually precise digital balance for each species. Two central
within the second week of March in 2011 and 2012, rows in an experimental unit (sole and intercropped) were
respectively. Sowing was made with a single row hand harvested; sun dried in field for two weeks, threshed
driven drill using recommended seed rates for sunflower manually and weighed to record grains weight. A
(6 kg ha-1) and mungbean (24 kg ha-1) as intercrop and subsample was oven dried at 60OC for 36 h and
sole crop. Uniform agronomic practices and plant difference in weight was adjusted accordingly for grain
protection measures were applied during the crop growth yield.
to keep field free from weeds, insect pests and diseases. Oil content (%) in sunflower seed was carried out
nondestructively using Near Infrared reflectance
Spectroscopy (NIRS) at Nuclear Institute for Food and
Measurement and observations Agriculture (NIFA) Peshawar. The whole seeds were
placed in a cup spinner accessory combined with the
Head diameter of sunflower crop was measured on ten integrating sphere modulus of the NIR equipment (Model
randomly selected representative plants from the central Antaris II, Thermo Scientific). The NIRS technique
rows of a subplot and final reading was noted from measures energy absorbed (1100-2500 nm) in whole
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Khan et al. 149

Table 1. ANOVA for different observation recorded in main (sunflower) and companion intercropped (Mungbean) during spring seasons 2011-12.

Sunflower Mungbean
SOV d.f. GY HD GPH TGW OC GNC TNC GY PPP GPP TGW NPP GNC TNC
Year (Y) 1 NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Rep. within Y 6 NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Cropping System (CS) 1 NS NS NS NS NS NS NS ** ** ** ** ** ** *
Y x CS 1 NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Error I 6

Treatment (T) 9 ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Control (C) vs. rest (R) (1) ** ** ** ** * ** * ** ** ** ** ** ** **
Phosphorus (P) (2) ** ** * ** * ** ** ** ** * ** ** ** **
Nitrogen (N) (2) ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
N x P (4) ** ** NS NS * * * ** ** * * NS * **
CS x T 9 NS NS NS ** NS NS * ** ** ** NS ** NS NS
CS x P (2) NS NS NS * NS NS NS ** ** ** NS * NS NS
CS x N (2) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS ** ** ** NS ** NS NS
CS x N x P (4) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS ** NS NS NS NS NS NS
CS x C vs. R (1) NS NS NS NS NS * ** ** ** * NS ** NS NS
Y x T 9 NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Y x P (2) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Y x N (2) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS * NS NS NS NS NS
Y x N x P (4) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Y x C vs. R (1) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Y x CS x T 9 NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Y x CS x P (2) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Y x CS x N (2) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Y x CS x N x P (4) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Y x CS x C vs. R (1) NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS NS
Error II 144

Total 159

GY = grain yield, HD = head diameter, GPH =grains per head, TGW = 1000 grains weight, OC = Oil content, GNC = grain N content, PPP = pods per
plant, GPP = grain per pod, NPP = nodules per plant,

seed sample. The precision of NIRs methods was (PLS) regression, artificial neural network (ANN) H SO in presence of digestion mixture containing
2 4
based on previous reference methods already etc., obtained from NIR spectra and the primary K SO , CuSO and Se on a heating block for
2 4 4
calibrated stored in the system and oil contents data. This calibration model then can be used to about 4-5 h. The digestion was initiated at 50oC
were expressed on 6 to 8 % moisture basis. First predict NIR spectrum of unknown oil seeds. and then raised temperature gradually to 100,
a calibration of NIRS is needed to build a good The grains and tissue N-content was 150, 200, and 300 to 350oC. Final temperature
calibration model (equation) for specific crop that determined by micro-Kjeldhal Method (Bremner was maintained for an hour by turning sample in
can be used a chemometric tool such as multiple and Mulvaney, 1982). Briefly, about 0.2 g of to light greenish or color-less and then stop the
linear regression (MLR), partial least squares sample was digested in 3 ml of concentrated further heating. At cooling, digest was transferred
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Table 2. Yield and yield traits (averaged across N and P) of sunflower and mungbean as affected by the treatment sole
and intercrop during spring 2011 and 2012.

Crop & Status Yield Head Grains 1000 Grains Oil content Grain N-content Tissue N-content
Sunflower (kg ha-1) Diameter (cm) head-1 weight (g) (%) (g kg-1) (g kg-1)
2011
Sole 2295 17.28 945 a 46.29 41.72 31.52 a 10.83
Intercrop 2266 16.77 934 b 45.52 41.44 30.70 b 10.48
2012
Sole 2318 17.59 953 46.50 42.67 31.79 11.07 a
Intercrop 2291 17.14 947 45.91 41.64 31.10 10.54 b
Mean
Sole 2306 17.43 949 46.40 42.19 31.65 a 10.95
Intercrop 2278 16.96 941 45.72 41.54 30.90 b 10.51
Mungbean Yield Pods plant-1 Grains pod- Grain index Nodules Grain N content Tissue N content
2011 (kg h-1) (g) plant-1 (g.kg-1) (g.kg-1)
Sole 661.58 a 24 a 10 a 41.39 a 19 a 33.54 14.91
Intercrop 14.92 b 3 b 6 b 20.52 b 7 b 27.94 14.09
2012
Sole 671.52 a 25 a 11 a 43.66 a 19 a 33.52 15.40 a
Intercrop 16.14 b 3 b 6 b 21.21 b 7 b 29.09 14.43 b
Mean
Sole 666.55 a 25 a 10 a 42.53 a 19 a 33.53 a 15.16 a
Intercrop 15.53 b 3 b 6 b 20.87 b 7 b 28.52 b 14.26 b

Within columns in each growing season, means followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to
LSD (p =0.05). Means with no letter are not statistically different (F>0.05).

Table 3. Yield and yield traits (averaged across nutrients N, P, and Intercropping) of sunflower and mungbean under
paired mean comparison as affected by control versus rest (fertilized) during spring 2011 and 2012.

Crop & Status Yield Head Diameter Grains 1000 grains Oil content Grain N content Tissue N content
Sunflower (kg ha-1) (cm) head-1 weight (g) (%) (g kg-1) (g kg-1)
2011
Un-fertilized 1636 b 13.25 b 833 b 33.42 b 42.41 25.99 b 9.63
Fertilized 2352 a 17.44 a 951 a 47.30 a 41.48 31.68 a 10.77
2012
Un-fertilized 1654 b 13.75 b 843 b 34.30 b 43.70 28.06 b 9.86
Fertilized 2377 a 17.77 a 961 a 47.53 a 41.99 31.82 a 10.91
Mean
Un-fertilized 1645 b 13.50 b 838 b 33.86 b 43.05 a 27.03 b 9.75 b
Fertilized 2364 a 17.61 a 956 a 47.41 a 41.74 b 31.75 a 10.84 a
2M0u1n1g bean (kYgi.ehlad- 1) Pods plant-1 Grains po Grain index (g) Npoladnutle-1s Grain(g N.k gc-o1)n tent Tissu(ge. Nk gc-o1)n tent
Un-fertilized 191.42 b 8 b 7 b 27.58 b 18 a 26.73 b 10.14 b
Fertilized 354.57 a 14 a 8 a 31.33 a 12 b 31.18 a 14.98 a
2012
Un-fertilized 198.60 b 8 b 7 b 28.31 b 19 a 26.40 b 11.03 b
Fertilized 359.97 a 14 a 9 a 32.89 a 12 b 31.85 a 15.35 a
Mean
Un-fertilized 195.01 b 8 b 7 b 27.94 b 19 a 26.57 b 10.58 b
Fertilized 357.27 a 14 a 9 a 32.11 a 12 b 31.52 a 15.17 a

Within columns in each growing season, means followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to LSD
(p =0.05). Means with no letter are not statistically different (F>0.05).

quantitatively into 100ml volumetric flask and made up to taken in account and vice versa for the sole mungbean
the volume by adding distilled water. Twenty ml of digest with intercropping.
was distilled in presence of 5 ml 40% NaOH solution to a
5 ml boric acid mixed indicator solution. The distillate was
titratedagainst standard 0.01 N HCl. A blank was also run RESULTS
and subtracted from readings (Khatoon et al., 2010).
Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) Grains yield (kg ha-1)
according to method described by Steel et al. (1997) and
treatment means, where found significant, were Maximum of the possible treatments interactions were
separated using least significant difference (LSD) test at non-significant (p<0.05) except the fertilizers N- x P-rates
P ≤ 0.05. For mungbean, sole sunflower data were not for yield and yield traits (Table 1). The means (averaged
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Khan et al. 151

Table 4. Yield and yield traits (averaged across nutrients P, control and intercrop) of sunflower and mungbean as
affected by N-rates during spring 2011 and 2012.

Crop & N-rates Yield Head Grains 1000 Grains Oil content Grain N content Tissue N content
Sunflower (kg ha-1) Diameter (cm) Head-1 Weight (g) (%) (g kg-1) (g kg-1)
2011
30 2085 c 16.25 c 914 c 45.36 c 42.60 a 28.88 c 9.61 b
60 2389 b 17.49 b 949 b 46.83 b 41.77 a 32.57 b 11.26 a
90 2581 a 18.58 a 991 a 49.70 a 40.08 b 33.59 a 11.44 a
2012
30 2116 c 16.51 c 923 c 45.73 c 43.59 a 28.35 c 9.37 b
60 2403 b 17.75 b 960 b 47.08 b 42.07 b 33.29 b 11.24 a
90 2612 a 19.05 a 1001 a 49.77 a 40.29 c 33.83 a 12.12 a
Mean
30 2101 c 16.38 c 919 c 45.55 c 43.10 a 28.61 c 9.49 b
60 2396 b 17.62 b 954 b 46.95 b 41.92 b 32.93 b 11.25 a
90 2596 a 18.81 a 996 a 49.73 a 40.19 c 33.71 a 11.78 a
2011 Yield Pods plant-1 Grains Pod-1 Grain index Nodules Grain N content Tissue N content
Mungbean (kg ha-1) (g) plant-1 (g.kg-1) (g.kg-1)
30 283.13 c 13 c 7 c 29.97 b 15 a 23.37 c 13.48 c
60 366.84 b 14 b 8 b 31.29 ab 12 b 33.07 b 14.97 b
90 413.74 a 15 a 9 a 32.74 a 9 c 37.11 a 16.49 a
2012
30 290.54 c 13 c 8 b 31.79 b 15 a 24.31 c 13.80 c
60 374.98 b 14 b 8 b 32.35 b 11 b 33.90 b 15.41 b
90 414.39 a 15 a 9 a 34.55 a 9 c 37.33 a 16.85 a
Mean
30 286.83 c 13 c 7 c 30.88 b 15 a 23.84 c 13.64 c
60 370.91 b 14 b 8 b 31.82 b 12 b 33.49 b 15.19 b
90 414.06 a 15 a 9 a 33.64 a 9 c 37.22 a 16.67 a

Within columns in each growing season, means followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to
LSD (p =0.05). Means with no letter are not statistically different (F>0.05).

Table 5. Yield and yield traits (averaged across nutrients N, control and intercropping) of sunflower and mungbean as affected
by P-rates during spring 2011 and 2012.

Crop & P-rates Yield Head Diameter Grains 1000 grains Oil content Grain N content Tissue N
Sunflower (kg ha-1) (cm) head-1 weight (g) (%) (g kg-1) content (g kg-1)
2011
30 2284 c 16.90 b 946 46.25 b 40.95 29.18 c 9.51 c
60 2348 b 17.41 ab 949 47.08 b 41.16 31.58 b 10.43 b
90 2423 a 18.02 a 960 48.56 a 42.34 34.28 a 12.37 a
2012
30 2308 c 17.16 b 954 46.54 b 41.46 29.00 c 9.95 b
60 2376 b 17.44 b 961 47.49 b 41.71 31.68 b 10.52 b
90 2448 a 18.71 a 970 48.55 a 42.80 34.79 a 12.25 a
Mean
30 2296 c 17.03 b 950 b 46.40 c 41.21 b 29.09 c 9.73 b
60 2362 b 17.43 b 955 ab 47.29 b 41.44 b 31.63 b 10.47 b
90 2435 a 18.36 a 965 a 48.55 a 42.57 a 34.54 a 12.31 a
2M0u1n1g bean (kYgi ehlad- 1) Pods plant-1 Grains pod-1 Grain index (g) Npoladnutle-1s Grain(g N k gc-o1)n tent Tissu(eg Nkg c-1o)n tent
30 329.98 c 13 c 8 b 30.40 b 11 b 28.78 b 13.99 b
60 357.05 b 14 b 9 a 30.39 b 12 a 30.88 ab 14.63 b
90 376.67 a 15 a 9 a 33.21 a 12.a 33.90 a 16.32 a
2012
30 336.14 c 13 c 8 b 31.71 b 11 b 29.39 b 14.23 b
60 361.96 b 14 b 9 ab 32.11 b 12 a 31.46 ab 14.91 b
90 381.81 a 15 a 9 a 34.86 a 13 a 34.69 a 16.91 a
Mean
30 333.06 c 13 c 8 b 31.05 b 11 b 29.09 b 14.11 b
60 359.50 b 14 b 9 ab 31.25 b 12 a 31.17 b 14.77 b
90 379.24 a 15 a 9 a 34.04 a 13 a 34.29 a 16.62 a

Within columns in each growing season, means followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to LSD (p =0.05).
Means with no letter are not statistically different (F>0.05).

across N and P) of cropping systems (CS) i.e. sole vs. independently for main (sunflower) and intercrop
intercrop (Table 2 above) and paired means comparison (Mungbean). Grain yield significantly (p<0.05) affected by
(averaged across N, P and CS) i.e. control vs. rest the given N-fertilizer rates showing marked increases
(fertilized, Table 3) and the applied fertilizer N-rates with the increase N from 30 to 90 kg ha-1 in a year and
(Table 4) and P-rates (Table 5) are presented two years averages (Table 4). Similar increases were
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152. Basic Res. J. Agric.Sci. Rev.

3200 22
30 P2O5 30 P2O5
60 P2O5 21 60 P2O5
3000 90 P2O5 90 P2O5
20
-1d (kg ha) 2800 meter (cm) 1189
Grain yiel 2600 Head dia 17
16
2400
15
2200 14
30 60 90 30 60 90
Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1) Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1)

44 45
30 P2O5
60 P2O5 30 P2O5
43 90 P2O5 60 P2O5
40 90 P2O5
42 1)
-g
Oil content (%) 4401 n N content (g k 3305
ai
39 Gr
25
38
37 20
30 60 90 30 60 90
Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1) Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1)
18 30 P2O5
60 P2O5
90 P2O5
16
1)
-g
nt (g k 14
e
nt
o
N c 12
e
u
s
Tis
10
8
30 60 90
Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1)

Figure 2. Interactive effects of nutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorous) on grain yield (kg
ha-1), head diameter (cm), Oil content (%), grain N-content (%) and tissue N-content (%)
of sunflower. Vertical bars shows ±SE of means.

observed under the given P-rates in a year or two years show as increase in yield by enhancing N–fertilizer from
average basis (Table 5). Sole and intercropped sunflower 30 to 90 kg ha-1 in a dissimilar fashion for the given P-
did not show any (p<0.05) change in yield (Table 2). fertilizer rates. Linear marked increases in the yield were
Paired mean comparisons showed higher yield in noticed for the given P 30 kg ha-1 for additional N-fertilizer
fertilized than unfertilized treatment (Table 2). The only rates. Yield increments at a given P-fertilizer rates (60
interaction N x P (Figure 2) of sunflower was significant to and 90 kg ha-1) were alike with marked (30-60 kg ha-1) to
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Khan et al. 153

500 18
30 P2O5 30 P2O5
60 P2O5 17 60 P2O5
450 90 P2O5 90 P2O5
16
-1d (kg ha) 400 -1ber plant 1145
el m
Grain yi 350 Pods nu 13
12
300
11
250 10
30 60 90 30 60 90
Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1) Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1)
10.5 38
30 P2O5 30 P2O5
60 P2O5 60 P2O5
10.0 90 P2O5 36 90 P2O5
-1Grains number pod 8899....0505 1000 grains weight (g) 333024
28
7.5
7.0 26
30 60 90 30 60 90
Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1) Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1)
50
30 P2O5 22
45 6900 PP22OO55 20 3600 PP22OO55
1) 40 90 P2O5
-n N content (g kg 3305 -1N content (g kg) 1168
Grai 25 Tissue 14
20 12
15 10
30 60 90 30 60 90
Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1) Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1)
Figure 3. Interactive effects of nutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorous) on grain yield (kg ha-1),
pods plant-1, grain number pod-1, thousand grains weight (g), grain N content (%) and tissue
N- content (%) of mungbean. Vertical bars show ±SE of mean.

moderate (60-90 kg ha-1) changes by increasing N- comparison showed higher (p<0.05) yield in the fertilized
fertilizer to the sunflower crop. Mungbean yield also than the control plot. Interactions N x P (Figure 3), N x
increased (p<0.05) with increasing N-fertilizer from 30 kg CS (Figure 4), P x CS (Figure 5) and N x P x CS (Figure
ha-1 onwards in a year or two years averages (Table 4). 6) were significant for mungbean crop and showed
Similarly, an increase in yield was associated to increase increase in yield by increasing N-fertilizer from 30 to 90
P-fertilizer from 30 to 90 kg ha-1 (Table 5). Sole crop kg ha-1 at all three P with marked increase from N 30 to
exhibited statistically more yield as compared to the 60 kg ha-1 and moderate thereafter from P 60 to 90 kg ha-
intercropped mungbean (Table 2). Paired means 1 with highest for P-fertilizer 90, followed by 60 and lowest
Published by Basic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Review
154. Basic Res. J. Agric.Sci. Rev.

52 1000
Sole crop
Sole crop Intercrop
51 Intercrop
800
50
000 grains weight (g) 444789 -1Grain yield (kg ha) 246000000
1
46
0
45
44
30 60 90 30 60 90

Phosphorus levels (kg ha-1) Phosphorus levels (kg ha-1)
35 Sole crop 12
Intercrop Sole crop
Intercrop
30
11
25
-1er plant 20 -1ber pod 10
b m 9
m u
Pods nu 1105 Grains n 8
7
5
0 6
30 60 90 30 60 90
Phosphorus levels (kg ha-1) Phosphorus levels (kg ha-1)
24
Sole crop
Intercrop
22
20
-1nt 18
a
er pl 16
b
m 14
u
n
e 12
ul
d
No 10
8
6
4
30 60 90
Phosphorus levels (kg ha-1)

Figure 4. Interactive effects of Phosphorous and Cropping System on grain yield (kg ha-1) of
sunflower and grain yield (kg ha-1), pod number plant-1, grain number plant-1, nodules plant-1
of mungbean. Vertical bars show ±SE of means.

for P 30 kg ha-1. A negligible increase in intercrop and as sole and intercrop. Increased N-fertilizer from 30 to 90
moderate in sole crop was noticed by increasing N-fertilizer kg ha-1 markedly increase yield in all three P-rates of sole
rate from 30 to 90 kg ha-1. Similar, response of interaction P mungbean and linear marked increments in intercrop
x CS was noted for yield of sole with a negligible change in mungbean. Increased P-rate showed higher yield at any
the intercrop. Interactions of treatments (N x P x CS) given N-fertilizer rate.
showed different response for the different P- and N-rates

Published by Basic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Review
Khan et al. 155

1000 35 Sole crop
Sole crop Intercrop
Intercrop
30
800
25
-1ain yield (kg ha) 460000 -1ds number plant 1250
Gr 200 Po
10
0 5
0
30 60 90 30 60 90
Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1) Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1)
14 30 Sole crop
Sole crop
Intercrop
Intercrop
13
25
12
1
-1mber pod 1101 -mber plant 1250
Grains nu 9 odules nu 10
N
8
5
7
6 0
30 60 90 30 60 90
Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1) Nitrogen levels (kg ha-1)

Figure 5. Interactive effects of nitrogen and cropping system on grain yield (kg ha-1), pod
number plant-1, grain number plant-1, nodules plant-1 of mungbean. Vertical bars show ±SE of
means.

Yield contributing traits However, increased P-rate from 30 to 60 kg ha-1 did not
show any change in grain number but did show an
Major yield contributing traits e.g. the sunflower head increment (p<0.05) at P 90 kg ha-1. Grains head-1 did not
diameter (cm), grains head-1 and grains weight (g) indicated vary in sole or intercrop. Evidently, fertilized than control
significant (p<0.05) differences with treatment N and P- showed more grains head-1. No interaction response of
fertilizer rates, sole and intercropping as well as control vs. grain number was significant (p<0.05). Thousand grains
rest (fertilized). Head diameter increased with increasing N- weight (g) increased with increasing N from 30 kg ha-1
fertilizer rates from 30 onwards in a year of study or two onwards in a linear fashion. Likewise, a consistent
years averages. However, P 30 and 60 kg ha-1 showed increased (p<0.05) observed in grains weight by increasing
non-significant (p<0.05) changes with a significant P-rates from 30 kg ha-1 onwards on two years averages.
increase by increasing P 90 kg ha-1 in a year or two years The P 30 and 60 kg ha-1 did not differ in a year.
average data (Table 5). Head diameter did not vary Thousand grains weight (g) did not vary by planting
(p<0.05) for sole and intercrop. Rest (fertilized) as sunflower sol or intercrop with mungbean. Obviously,
compared to control (unfertilized) showed better head fertilized plots showed heavier grains. The CS x P
diameter. Only N x P (Figure 2) interaction showed a interaction (Figure 4) was significant (p<0.05) by showing
linear response for head diameter by increasing N-fertilizer a linear response with moderate (30-60 kg ha-1) to marked
rates from N 30 kg ha-1 onwards at all three P-fertilizer rates (60-90 kg ha-1) increase in the intercrop than sole crop.
with highest value at P 90 kg ha-1, followed by 60 and 30 kg Pods plant-1 were significantly vary (p<0.05) with N-rate
ha-1 by subsequent increasing the N-rates with moderate to showing positive increments by increasing N-fertilizer rate
marked linear changes. N-fertilizer rate has significantly from 30 to 90 kg ha-1 in a year or two years averages
(p<0.05) increased grains head-1 by increasing N supply (Table 4). Nutrients response was more or less similar for
from 30 kg ha-1 onwards in a year or two years averages. P-fertilizer rates on pods plant-1 (Table 5) with highest
Published by Basic Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Review