Evaluation of Maize Common Bean Intercropping and Phosphorus Critical Level Rate Based on Calibrated Phosphorus in the Maize Based Farming System of Bedele District, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Inclusion of legumes in cropping systems is essential for sustainable management of farming systems. A field experiment was conducted at Bedele district of south western Ethiopia during the 2020 and 2021 crop growing seasons to evaluate maize common bean intercropping and phosphorus critical level(Pc) rate for optimum maize common bean productivity and profitability. Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of three (without, single and double) rows of common bean between maize rows and four rates of phosphorus critical level (Pc %) (0,50,75 and 100 %)kgha-1 , where Pc = phosphorus critical level determined for maize in the district. A sole crop maize with recommended fertilizer rate of 92/100 % N/Pc ha-1 was used as a control treatment. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that the intercrop system was more productive relative to the sole crop. Common bean when associated with maize showed significant differences on maize grain yield. Maize common bean single row inter crop fertilized with (75% Pc ha-1 ) increased maize grain yield as compared to sole crop maize. Moreover, maize common bean single row intercropping with (75% Pc ha-1 ) was the most profitable with marginal rate of return (11.62%).Results from this study indicated that smallholders in the Bedele district can achieve higher maize grain yield productivity and profitability through the implementation of simultaneous intercropping of maize with common bean under inorganic fertilizer application.