Economic evaluation of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)-based cropping systemsin rainfed Alfisols

A field experiment was conducted on red sandy-loam soils during 1996-97 and 1997-98 at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati, to evaluate t he yield and economics of different cropping systems in rainfed Alfisols. S ignificantly higher pod yield of groundnut (Arachis hypagaea L.) was obtain ed in single skip row with 100% population. Intercropping with pigeonpea or redgram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] in 7:1 ratio significantly reduced th e groundnut pod yields. But higher net returns of Rs 14,070 and Rs 3,331 we re obtained with groundnut + redgram intercropping (7:1) in 1996-97 and 199 7-98 in good and bad years respectively. Higher total yield advantage was a lso recorded with groundnut + redgram intercropping in 7:1 ratio. Groundnut + redgram (7:1) intercropping proved to be more remunerative than other cr opping systems in rainfed Alfisols.