Economic Evaluation of Medicinal pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L. var. Styriac)/ Chickpea-Lentil Intercropping System Associated With Several Nitrogen Levels

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Abstract

Small scale framers mainly face to farm sprawl, land multiplicity and diminution, losing resources and cultural mechanization incapability. Whereas the multiple cropping has more sustainability in unsuitable geographical regions environmentally, it is one of the suitable ways for small scale farmers' livelihood. Nonetheless, there is indispensable to assertion of multiple cropping profitability compare to sole cropping scientifically. Hence, an experiment as split plot design carried out in 2008 at Kermanshah region, aim to economic evaluation of medicinal pumpkin intercropped with both chickpea and lentil. Main plots included nitrogen fertilizer (0, 75, 100, 125, Kg.ha-1) and sub plot were three cropping systems consisting of sole cropping of medicinal pumpkin and intercropped with four rows of lentil and chickpea. The highest LER (2.20) and cost benefit ratio (8.81) were obtained from medicinal pumpkin intercropped with lentil at 75 Kg.N/ha and medicinal pumpkin intercropped with chickpea at 125 Kg.N/ha, respectively. All of indices showed profitability of medicinal pumpkin intercropped both with lentil and chickpea in Kermanshah region. There were the highest land productivity and economic profitability by intercropping the medicinal pumpkin and lentil with 75 Kg.N/ha consumption.

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