Effect of planting pattern and fertility level on hybrid maize (Zea mays) + legume intercropping system under dryland condition

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in rainy (kharif) seasons of 2011 and 2012, to assess the effect of planting pattern and fertility level on maize (Zea mays L.) with blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merril]-based intercropping system under dryland conditions in alluvial soil of Vatanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Among the planting patterns tested, blackgram proved the best intercrops for maize-based planting pattern com- pared to soybean. In maize condition, maize paired row (50/100 cm) + blackgram (2:1) significantly increased growth, yield attributes and yield. However, intercropping of blackgram and soybean recorded the maximum yield with maize-paired row (50/100 cm) + intercrops (2:2), owing to higher plant population of intercrops compared to other planting pattern, except yield attributes. In case of fertility level, maize with 100% recommended dose of fer- tilizer (RDF) + intercrops with 100% RDF recorded the maximum growth, yield attributes and yield, during both the years of investigation. Finally, maize paired row with 2 rows of blackgram intercropping with 100% RDF of both main and intercrops, proved to be the best combination by recording the maximum land-equivalent ratio, maize- equivalent yield, net returns and benefit: cost ratio. Maize with positive aggresivity factor acted as a dominant crop component in overall treatments.