Yield and nutrient of uptake of gernium (Pelargonium graveolens) in gernium- garlic intercropping system as influenced by levels of phosphorus and zinc under subtropical region

Field experiment was conducted at Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow to evaluate the growth and yield of geranium and garlic in intercropping system. Maximum dry matter accumulation was noticed during 120-135 DAP. Dry matter accumulation in geranium paired sole was almost equal to geranium paired intercrop. Application of phosphorus at 40 kg P2 O5 ha -1 and 30 kg ZnSO4 ha -1 significantly increased the dry matter accumulation of plants over control at all the stages of crop growth. Bulb yield of garlic was found to be increased with increase in the application of phosphorus up to 40 kg P2 O5 ha -1 and zinc upto 30 kg ZnSO4 ha -1. The essential oil yield of geranium pure crop significantly improved over essential oil yield of intercropped geranium . Uptake of Zn also increased significantly upto 40 kg P2 O5 ha -1. Higher rates of P decreased the Zn uptake by the plants. Application of 30 kg ZnSO4 ha -1 showed a significant response on the herb and oil yield over no zinc application. The net return from geranium and garlic in paired intercropping system was Rs 2,58,564.95 being higher other cropping system. Thus intercropping garlic with geranium proved economical.