Influence of Light Parameters on Photosynthetic Rate of Sorghum Based Intercropping System
S. Divya Dharshini
Agro Climate Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, Tamil Nadu, India.
SP. Ramanathan *
Agro Climate Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, Tamil Nadu, India.
S. Kokilavani
Agro Climate Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, Tamil Nadu, India.
M. Djanaguiraman
Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641003, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Selecting the appropriate row proportion in the intercropping system is required for the effective harnessing of solar radiation. In Semi-arid areas, Sorghum based intercropping is commonly adopted by the farmers for effective utilization of the available resources. The treatments consisted of T1-Sorghum Sole crop (SS), T2-2rows of Sorghum+2rows of Cowpea (2S:2C), T3-2rows of Sorghum+1row of Cowpea (2S:1C), T4-2rows of Sorghum+2rows of Greengram (2S:2G), T5-2rows of Sorghum+1rows of Greengram (2S:1G), T6-2rows of Sorghum+2rows of Lablab (2S:2L), T7-2rows of Sorghum+1rows of Lablab (2S:1L). The results of the study showed that sorghum under 2:1 pattern had enhanced LAI, Radiation absorption efficiency which resulted in a high photosynthetic rate. The intercrops under 2:2 pattern were suffered from shading of sorghum than 2:1 pattern which affected the photosynthetic rate of intercrops under 2:2 pattern. Hence, planting sorghum under 2:1 pattern with Lablab will be the ideal row ratio to harness maximum sunlight.
Keywords: Sorghum based intercropping system, PPFD, photosynthetic rate, light absorption efficiency