Response of winter maize (Zea mays L.) to vegetable intercrops.

A field experiment was conducted during winter season in the years 2010–2011 at agriculture research farm Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi to find out the production potential of winter Maize (Zea mays L.) intercropped with various vegetableslike radish (Raphanus sativus) spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and carrot (Daucus carota). Values of benefit cost ratio and net return were greater with all the intercropping systems than the sole crop indicating yield advantage. All intercrops recorded significantly higher maize-equivalent ratio and production efficiency than sole crop. Intercropping of maize with carrot gave highest maize-equivalent yield (282.46 q ha−1), production efficiency (403.57%), net return (184762.98 Rs. ha−1) and benefit cost ratio (3.86).