Performance of greater yam (Dioscorea alata) and maize (Zea mays) intercrop- ping as influenced by mulching and levels of N-P-K fertilization

A field experiment was conducted for consecutive 3 years (from 2003-04 to 2005-06) at Dumuduma, Bhubaneshwar under rainfed conditions to find out the influence of mulching along with different levels of NPK fer- tilization on total productivity, energy use efficiency and economics of greater yam ( Dioscorea alata L.) and maize ( Zea mays L.) intercropping system. Higher total productivity (23.0 tonne/ha), productivity efficiency (109.5 kg/ha/ day) and net return (Rs 55,700/) were obtained with the application of 120-39.3-100 kg N-P-K/ha along with mulching. However, higher energy use efficiency (5.07) was found with the application of 100-32.7-83.3 kg N-P-K/ ha along with mulching. Mulching along with 120-39.3-100 kg N-P-K/ha registered the highest N, P and K uptake and post-harvest soil nutrients status followed by mulching along with 100-32.7-83.3 kg N-P-K/ha.