Effect of intercropping of blackgram and sesame with maize (Zea mays L.) on yield, water use efficiency and economics under rainfed condition

A field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 2011 and 2012 at Kanpur to study the relative productivity and profitability of intercropping systems under rainfed condition. The yield of kharif sole and intercropped in terms of maize equivalent, showed significant variation during both the years. Maize + blackgram (1: 1 row ratio) 45 cm apart (grain yield 31.23 q/ha) brought out significantly tre highest production as compared to other treatments. Moreover, water use efficiency (9.03 kg grain/ha/mm water), land equivalent ratio (1.21) and net return (Rs 19735/ha) were also found to be the highest, while the lowest yield (22.97 q/ha), water use efficiency (6.34 kg grain/ha/mm water) and net return (Rs 11355/ha) were derived from the sole maize.