Effect of different planting geometry of transplanted pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) as an intercrop in young arecanut (Areca catechu) garden at Southern Transitional Zone of Karnataka, India

A field experiment was conducted during 2017–18, 2018–19 and 2019–20, to study the influence of planting methods on growth and productivity of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with 8 treatment combinations and replicated thrice. Pooled data indicated that transplanted pigeonpea at 60 cm × 30 cm geometry gave significantly higher pigeonpea seed and stalk yield (2,353 and 6,533 kg/ha respectively), and it was followed by 60 cm × 60 cm spacing (2,072 and 5,852 kg/ha respectively). The above-mentioned treatments also recorded significantly higher total uptake of nitrogen (129.18 and 123.39 kg/ha respectively), phosphorus (36.84 and 32.40 kg/ha respectively) and potassium (62.57 and 57.58 kg/ha respectively), whereas, higher available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (246.64, 35.87 and 155.65 kg/ ha respectively) were recorded in 180 cm × 30 cm. Further higher nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in arecanut leaf (Areca catechu L.) was observed in 60 cm × 60 cm (1.72 %), 120 cm × 30 cm (0.260 and 1.20 %) as compared to other planting geometry in young arecanut garden.