Studies on intercropping Capsicum (Capsicum annum L.) with Bushitao (Vigna unguiculata L.).

Abstract

Intercropping is the space dependent form of cropping system. It is growing two or more crops grown simultaneously on the same field. Capsicum (Capsicum annuum) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) are two important vegetable crops grown throughout the year in the Eastern region of Sri Lanka and is a suitable combination för intercropping. An altempt was made to study the effect of cropping system on the growth of capsicum (Capsicum annum) intercropped with bushitao (Vigna unguiculata) and to select the suitable cropping system. This experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments and four replicates. Sole cropping and intercropping (alternate row planting and paired row planting) of capsicum and bushsitao were practiced in this study. It was noted that intercropping system did not change the growth (plant height or number of leaf per plant) of capsicum or bushitao when increased plant population per unit area. Average yield of capsicum ranged from 5.4 to 6.4 tons/ha. The yield of capsicum in the sole crop was slightly higher (6.4 tons/ha) than other treatments. In the present study, 30/60 cm-paired rows planting of capsicum is the suitable cropping system in the sandy regosol.