Productivity and Profitability of Maize Based Intercropping Systems

To find out the most compatible legume intercrop in maize, field experiments were conducted at G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar during 2007 and 2008 with six treatments viz., sole maize, maize + urdbean (2:2), maize + mungbean (2:2), maize + cowpea (2:2), maize + groundnut (2:2) and maize + soybean (2:2) in randomized block design with three replications. Maize was sown in paired row system of 45/90 cm in all the treatments. Two lines of intercrops were sown in inter-space of 90 cm between two pair. Grain yield of maize in sole crop was significantly more than intercropped with urdbean, mungbean and soybean. Though, intercropping of legumes reduced the grain yield of maize, intercropping increased the maize equivalent yield than sole maize. Maize + groundnut system recorded significantly more maize equivalent yield and was economically more viable than other maize based intercropping systems.