Effects of Different Maize–Soybean Intercropping Patterns on Yield Attributes, Yield and B: C Ratio

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out to study the “Effects of different maize–soybean intercropping patterns on yield attributes, yield and B: C ratio” at the Agricultural Research Farm, Bhagwant University, Ajmer. Treatment consists of Sole maize (60x20 cm), Sole Soyabean (30x10 cm), Maize-Soybean (1:1) (60X20 cm), Maize-Soybean (1:1) (75X20 cm), Maize-Soybean (1:1) (90X20 cm), Maize-Soybean (1:2) (90X20 cm) and Maize-Soybean (2:6) (Paired row 45/180 cm). There were four replicated blocks and plot sizes measuring 7 m x 4.5 m laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results of the experiment showed that the maize-soybean intercropping patterns had significant effect on maize stover and grain yields. Sole maize recorded significantly higher yield than intercropped maize under varying geometry and row proportion. However, it was at par with maize intercropped with soybean in 1:1 row proportion with 60 x 20 cm .The intercropping patterns affected significantly the PAR intercepted and the leaf area index. The soybean sole crop intercepted significantly more light and leaf area index (LAI) than all other treatments and/or crop. Further,, the yield of sole soybean was significantly superior over other intercropped treatments. The highest benefit cost ratio revealed that higher return per unit money invested for inputs used for raising crops. The highest B: C ratio was recorded with maize + soybean in 2:6 paired row (3.57) intercropping system. The least B: C ratio was recorded in sole soybean (2.45).