Influence of planting pattern and nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on maize (Zea mays) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in intercropping

Results of an experiment conducted during the rainy seasons of 1999 and 2000 with maize (Zea mays L.) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) intercropping revealed that planting of component crops in 1 :2 ratio recorded sig nificantly higher yield of groundnut, whereas productivity of maize remained unchanged due to planting pattern. Recommended doses of fertilizers to component crops showed higher yield attributes of component crops. Pro ductivity of maize and groundnut, and N and P uptake by these crops were highest with 100% dose of fertilizers. However, 75 100% of recommended doses applied to component crops remained at par with 100 100% dose in respect of productivity and nutrients uptake by maize and groundnut. This indicated 25% saving of fertilizers (N and P) applied to maize in association of groundnut in intercropping.