COMPETITIVE SUPERIORITY OF KOCHIA-INDICA OVER LEPTOCHLOA-FUSCA (KALLAR GRASS) UNDER VARYING LEVELS OF SOIL-MOISTURE AND SALINITY

Kallar grass [Leptochloa fusca (L.) Kunth] and Kochia indica Wight wer e grown in mono-cultures and mixed-cultures under different soil salin ity and water conditions. K. indica suppressed growth of kallar grass in ail salinity and watering treatments; the reduction in biomass yiel d of the latter species was more pronounced in low watering treatment at both salinity levels. In contrast, K. indica gave increased yield w hen intercropped with kallar glass as compared to that in mono-culture s suggesting its competitive superiority. Nutrient (N,P,K, Ca and Na) concentrations in shoots of a species grown in mono-and mixed-cultures under a particular treatment were similar. However, the total uptake of nutrients differed significantly and K. indica removed proportionat ely higher amounts of nutrients when grown in mixed-cultures compared to corresponding mono-cultures. The significance of competition by K. indica is discussed with regard to its invasion and spread in kallar g rass stands.