Performance of maize + pigeonpea intercropping system under rainfed conditions of North Karnataka

A field investigation was carried out for two consecutive kharif seasons of 2004 and 2005 at the Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad (Karnataka) to evaluate the production potential and economic feasibility of maize and pigeonpea intercropping system in 1: 1, 2: 1, 2: 2, 3: 1 and 4: 2 row proportions with 50 and 100 per cent pigeonpea population levels under rainfed condition. Intercropping of maize and pigeonpea at 4: 2 row ratio with 100: 50 population recorded significantly higher maize equivalent yield (8970 kg ha−1), net returns (Rs 36008 ha−1) and B: C ratio (3.25) over sole and other intercropping systems except 2: 2 and 3: 1 row ratios with 100: 50 population of maize and pigeonpea. Though intercropping resulted in significant reduction in the yield of sole crops, it was better compensated by component crops in terms of total yield and income.