Intercropping is an important practice to reduce nitrogen (N) losses and to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Intercropping improves N uptake and minimizes N losses. Nitrogen sources have a significant impact on NUE, especially in the presence of leguminous species. A pot experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of nitrogen sources such as ammonium nitrate NH4 and NO3 on NUE and the growth of wheat and beans grown alone, as well as intercropping. The experiments were designed with a completely randomized design (CRD). Recommended doses of N, P and K were applied. The results indicated that there was a significant increase in plant biomass (49 + 0.5g) and shoot fresh (13.68 + 0.4) and plant dry weights (9 + 0.5), root fresh weight (2.3 + 0.09), number of spikes (14 + 0.6) under ammonium nitrate application. Chlorophyll a, b, chlorophyll a + b and carotenoid contents increased in wheat grown by ammonium nitrate application. Wheat spike length was found to be maximum in intercropping by ammonium nitrate. Grains N contents increased (2.77 % + 0.07) in intercropping because intercropping may help to improve the nitrogen use efficiency. A significant increase in N was observed in intercropping relative to crops grown separately. Intercropping and N sources had a substantial impact on the phosphorus contents of grains, shoots, and roots. The study concluded that plant growth parameters and nutrient contents improved by intercropping under ammonium nitrate application.

Keywords: Intercropping, Nitrogen Use Efficiency, Ammonium Nitrate, Phosphorus Contents, Nitrogen Sources, Leguminous Species