Performance of maize (Zea mays)-based intercropping systems and their residual effect on wheat (Triticum aestivum) + lentil (Lens culinaris) intercropping system under organic conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted on a silty clay loam soil of Palampur during 201112 and 201213, to study performance of maize (Zea mays L.)-based intercropping systems and their residual effect on wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] + lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) intercropping under organic conditions. Growth, yield attributes, grain and stover yields of maize were more in sole stand. Intercropping systems resulted in significantly higher grain-maize-equivalent yield than sole stand. Maize + soybean (Glycine max) in both addi- tive and paired series resulted in higher maize-equivalent yield than the other intercrops and resulted in better yield of both maize and soybean crops and proved to be the best intercropping system with a net returns of 68,807 and 65,078 and net returns/rupee invested of 1.13 and 1.08 respectively. However, wheat and lentil on residual basis showed more yield on intercropping treatment than sole maize. Wheat recorded the highest yield when sown under soybean and ricebean treatment both in additive and paired series, whereas lentil recorded the highest grain yield when sown under asparagus bean (Vigna unguiculata sesquipedalis) additive series and was statistically at par with cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in paired series. The highest available nitrogen was recorded in maize + soybean in paired and additive series, whereas the lowest available nitrogen in sole maize. Among the intercrops, soybean fixed more N followed by ricebean (Vigna umbellata), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and asparagus bean (Vigna unguiculata sesquipedalis). Higher values of available Phosphorus (10.5 kg/ha) and Potassium (228.1 kg/ha) was recorded in sole maize.