BIOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC-POTENTIAL OF AUTUMN-PLANTED SUGARCANE (SACCHARUM-OFFICINARUM) IN SOLE AND INTERCROPPING SYSTEM UNDER VARYING MOISTURE REGIMES

A study was conducted during 1991-92 to 1993-94 at Sambalpur, Orissa f or biological and economic potential of autumn planted 'Co 6304' sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) with treatment combinations of 5 cropp ing systems (sugarcane sole, wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) sole, rapeseed (Brasica campestris L. var toria) sale, sugarc ane + wheat, sugarcane + rapeseed) and 3 moisture regimes 10.8, 1.0, 1 .2 IW:CPE ratio). Cane yield of the sole sugarcane was the maximum (10 7.25 tonnes/ha) which declined by 16.6 and 8.3% due to iniercropping o f wheat and rapeseed, respectively. Frequently irrigated plots at 12 I W:CPE ratio (50 mm CPE) recorded the maximum cane yield (106.03 tonues /ha). Its yield reduced by 7.9 and 13.9% due to sub optimal moisture r egime of 1.0 (60 nzm CPE) and moderate moisture regime of 0.8 (75 mm C PE) IW:CPE ratio, respectively. The maximum net monetary return of Rs 22 493/ha was obtained from sugarcane + rapeseed system. at 1.2,IW:CPE ratio with greater. biological efficiency as indicated by maximum LER (1.90), benefit: cost ratio (1.57) and water-use efficiency(Rs 128/ha- cm). Sole sugarcane was at par with sugarcane + rapeseed system in res pect of net monetary returns.