Yield, quality and economics as influenced by winter maize (Zea mays) based intercropping system in eastern Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during winter (rabq season of 1994 95 and 1995 96 to evaluate the yield, quality and economics of winter maize (Zea mays L.) based intercropping system under different planting pattern system and fertility level at Kumarganj (Faizabad). Maize grown with lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) was more advantageous than rajma (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and I ndian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. Cosson] and gave significantly highest average maize yield (74.0 qlha), intercrop yield (1 1.4 qlha), maize equivalent yield (104.3 qlha), uptake of W, P and K (168.9, 23.7 and 158.7 kglha), protein content (lo%), carbohydrate content (68.7%), gross returns (Rs. 49,672/ha), net returns (Rs 32,5711ha) and benefit : cost ratio (1.91) over other intercropping system owing to minimum competition between crops. The paired planting pattern gave significantly higher yield (91.34 qlha), uptake of nutrients, contents of protein and carbohydrate and monetary returns as well as income equivalent ratio (1.48) over alternate planting pattern. Application up to 100 h recommended dose of fertilizer to intercrop increased significantly maize, lentil and maize equivalent yields of 69.5, 11.1 and 93.5 qlha, uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium of 159.1, 25.4 and 145.8 kglha and content of protein and carbohydrate 10.1 and 70.1%. However, gross returns, net returns and benefit : cost ratio of Rs 47,865/ha, Rs 30,7641ha and 1.80 were significantly increased with increasing up to 50% recommended dose of fertilizer to intercrop. Growth and yjeld components such as plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, rowslcob, test weight and shelling (%) showed trends similar to yields. The intercropping system when maize was grown with lentil row with 50% recommended dose of fertilizer to intercrop was found to be more profitable.