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


How to Cite

Dharshini, S. Divya, SP. Ramanathan, S. Kokilavani, and M. Djanaguiraman. 2021. “Influence of Light Parameters on Photosynthetic Rate of Sorghum Based Intercropping System”. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change 11 (10):38-44. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijecc/2021/v11i1030490.