Intercropping of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) with barley (Hordeum vulgare), rocket salad (Eruca sativa) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) under limited irrigation conditions in reclaimed ravine land of river Yamuna

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season (rabi) of 1990-91 to 1992-93 in reclaimed ravine land of river Yamuna at Agra to study the e ffect of intercropping Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosso n] with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), rocket salad (Eruca sativa Mill.) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) on yield, water-use efficiency, competitio n indices and monetary returns under limited irrigation conditions. Indian mustard-based intercropping systems were found more productive than sole cr opping of Indian mustard. Indian mustard + linseed intercropping system rec orded the highest Indian mustard equivalent yield (1 995 kg/ha), water-use efficiency (10.31 kg/ha-mm), land-equivalent ratio (1.63) and monetary retu rns (Rs 17 982/ha), whereas Indian mustard + barley intercropping system re corded the lowest yield, water-use efficiency, land-equivalent ratio and re turns. Barley and rocket salad were found dominant and linseed dominated as judged by the values of relative crowding coefficient and aggressivity. Th e yield of crops progressively increased with number of irrigation and the average increase was 33 and 58% with 1 and 2 irrigation respectively. Howev er, water-use efficiency decreased by 11% with 1 irrigation and 21% with 2 irrigation. The monetary returns increased with increasing levels of irriga tion.