Benefits Of Legumes Research Articles

Performance of maize—soybean intercrop combination in the tropics: Results of a multi-location study

Results of an experiment conducted at 14 locations in seven countries during 1976–1979 under the coordination of the East-West Center, Hawaii, are discussed. This study compares the performance of maize—soybean intercrop with the component sole crops at different N levels applied to maize. Intercropping generally gave greater combined yields and monetary returns than obtained from either crop grown alone. On the basis of land equivalent ratio, yield advantage from intercropping varied from 64% at zero N to 42% at 100% of the recommended rate of N application to maize. Returns from intercropping at zero nitrogen were 61% higher than sole maize and 44% higher than sole soybean. Maize—soybean intercrop appears to be particularly well-suited for small farmers in developing countries who operate at subsistence level and use little or no fertilizer. Increased research effort is suggested to identify other crop combinations for use under various ecosystems and management levels, develop efficient methods of fertilising the cereal and to understand benefits of legumes in intercropping.