Effect of vegetable intercropping on productivity, economics and energetics of maize (Zea mays)

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy seasons of 1996 and 1997 to study the productivity, economics and energetics of maize (Zea mays L.) intercropped with runner bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp]. and clusterbean. [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] under upland rainfed situation of South-Eastem Ghat Zone of Orissa. An intercropping maize with runner bean at 2:2 row ratio realized the maximum maize-equivalent yield (63.69 q/ha), production efficiency (217.5%), land-equivalent ratio (1.35), net returns (Rs 12,677/ha), monetary advantage index (6,604.4), return/rupee spent, relative net returns (1.91 and 1.26 over maize and runner bean respectively), energy output (174.81 x 1,000 MJ/ha), energy output: input ratio (12.26) and energy-use efficency (446.7 and 927.2 kg/1,000 MJ for main and total produce respectively) and appeared to be most productive and economically and energetically viable system, followed by maize + cowpea at 1:1 row ratio. This system increased the total production in terms of maize-equivalent yield by 114.5% and net profit by Rs 10,711/ha over normally sown sole maize.