Productivity potential and economics of maize (Zea mays) max) intercroping patterns under and soybean (Glycine rainfed low hill or valley situation of Uttaranchal

Abstract

A 3 year field study was conducted during rainy (khariq season of 1993 95 to evaluate different planting pattems of maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] intercropping. All the intercropping pattems were superior in terms of maize equivalent yield and income equivalent ratio (IER) values to sole crops. All the intercropping pattems except, 1 additional maize row after every 2 rows of soybean (1 :2) also recorded higher monetary returns than sole crops. Among different intercropping pattems of maize and soybean, paired maize rows (either 30190 or 45/90 cm) 2 rows of soybean gave the highest total yield, maize equivalent yield, IER value, net return and benefit : cost ratio. The maximum value of relative net return (RNR) over sole maize was computed under paired maize rows (45/90cm) 2 rows of soybean.