Enhancing growth and yield of the wheat-chickpea intercropping system through a combination of different row ratios and biostimulants

Abstract

Intercropping of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum) invigorates a sustainable agricultural system with a desirable effect on crop productivity. This study investigates the potential of seaweed extracts, humic and fulvic acids and amino acids as biostimulants for certifying wheat and chickpea intercropping enhancements. Field experiments were conducted during the Rabi season of 2022–2023. A split plot design was employed, with main plot treatments of varying row ratios (M₁: sole wheat, M₂: sole chickpea, M₃: wheat : chickpea ratio 2:1 and M₄: wheat : chickpea ratio 4:1) and sub plot treatments with different biostimulants (S₀: no biostimulant, S₁: seaweed extract, S₂: humic acid + fulvic acid and S₃: amino acid). Results revealed significance of row ratios and biostimulants on growth and yield attributes. Notably, the 2:1 row ratio treatment (M₃) magnified plant height with a maximum of 101.45 cm for wheat crop and 58.44 cm for chickpea at 120 DAS. The seaweed extract application treatment (S₁) demonstrated maximum plant height of 104.18 cm and 61.00 cm for wheat and chickpea crops, respectively, at 120 DAS. The grain yield of wheat was established to be higher in the sole cropping system (M₁: 7.59 kgha^-1) with an accumulated harvest index of 41.23%. Seed yield of chickpea was also higher in the sole crop (M₂: 2.09 kgha^-1) with a harvest index of 49.00%. This research delves into the application of biostimulants to maximize the benefits of wheat and chickpea intercropping, potentially advancing sustainability for future food security.