Highest Maize Equivalent Yield Research Articles

Intercropping of Jute as Leafy Vegetable With Hybrid Maize Under Different Planting Systems

An experiments were conducted at Agronomy research field, Gazipur and Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jamalpur of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute during kharif-1 season of 2018 and 2019 to find out the suitable combination of maize and jute (leafy vegetable) intercropping system for higher productivity and monetary advantage. Treatments included in the experiment were: T1= Hybrid maize normal row (MNR) (60cm × 20cm) + 1 row jute (33%), T2= MNR (60cm × 20cm) + 2 row jute (66%), T3= MNR (60cm × 20cm) + 3 row jute (100%), T4= MNR (60cm × 20cm) + jute broadcast (100%) and T5= Sole maize (60 cm × 20 cm). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. At Gazipur, Light availability on jute decreased with the increase of shade produced by maize canopy over the time up to 40 DAS (at harvest of jute) under intercrop situation and the highest light availability was observed on jute in T4 treatment. The maximum grain yield of maize was in sole crop and it was decreased by 1-6 % at Gazipur and 2-9 % at Jamalpur due to intercropping. Maize equivalent yield (MEY) of intercropping treatments showed better performance than sole maize. The highest MEY (19.28 t/ha at Gazipur and 17.41 t/ha at Jamalpur), gross margin (Tk. 252040/ha at Gazipur and Tk. 313380/ha at Jamalpur) and benefit cost ratio (3.65 and 3.33 at Gazipur and Jamalpur, respectively) were observed in T4 treatment among the intercropping treatments. The results revealed that T4 = MNR (60cm × 20cm) + jute broadcast (100%) could be agronomically feasible and economically profitable for maize and jute (leafy vegetable) intercropping system at Gazipur and Jamalpur.
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 47(3): 269-279, September 2022

Effect of Planting System on Productivity of Hybrid Maize-Indian Spinach Intercropping System

A field experiment was undertaken at Joydebpur, Jashore and Ishurdi Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute during Kharif seasons of 2016 and 2017 to find out suitable combination of hybrid maize and Indian spinach as intercropping system for higher productivity and monetary advantage. Treatments included in the experiment were: T1 = Hybrid maize normal row (75 cm × 20 cm ) + 1 row Indian spinach (plant to plant 25 cm), T2 = Hybrid maize paired row (37.5 cm/150 cm × 20 cm) + 1 row Indian spinach (plant to plant 25 cm), T3 = Hybrid maize paired row (37.5 cm/150 cm × 20 cm) + 2 rows Indian spinach (plant to plant 25 cm), T4 = Hybrid maize paired row (37.5 cm/150 cm × 20 cm) + 3 rows Indian spinach (plant to plant 25 cm), T5 = Sole maize (75 cm × 20 cm) and T6 = Sole Indian spinach (40 cm × 25 cm). Grain yield of maize was the maximum in sole crop but it was decreased 1.0 to 12.6% at Joydebpur, 5.2 to 17.1% at Jashore and 13.4 to 22.2% at Ishurdi due to inter specific competition for growth resources among maize and Indian spinach due to intercropping. All intercropping treatments showed better performance than sole maize crop. The highest maize equivalent yield (19.22 and 18.80 t ha-1 at Joydebpur, 13.30 and 11.58 t ha-1 at Jashore and 11.23 and 11.10 t ha-1 at Ishurdi in 2016 and 2017, respectively), gross margin (Tk. 196300 and Tk. 192000 ha-1 at Joydebpur, Tk. 111130 and Tk. 85330 ha-1 at Jashore and Tk. 88450 and Tk. 86500 ha-1 at Ishurdi in 2016 and 2017, respectively) and benefit cost ratio (3.13 and 3.07 at Joydebpur, 2.26 and 1.97 at Jashore and 2.11 and 2.08 at Ishurdi in 2016 and 2017, respectively) were observed in hybrid maize paired row + 3 rows Indian spinach intercropping. The highest land equivalent ratio (1.32 and 1.39 at Joydebpur and 1.50 and 1.47 at Jashore in 2016 and 2017, respectively) was also found in the same treatment. On the other hand, at Ishurdi, the highest LER (1.34 and 1.35 in 2016 and 2017, respectively) was observed in MNR + 1 rows ISP treatment followed by MPR + 3 rows ISP treatment. The results revealed that hybrid maize paired row + 3 rows Indian spinach and Hybrid maize normal row + 1 row Indian spinach intercropping might be economically profitable for hybrid maize + Indian spinach intercropping system at Joydebpur, Jashore and Ishurdi.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(1): 75-82

​​Evaluation of Soybean and Green Gram as Intercrops with Maize under Different Row Proportions in the North-eastern Hill Region, India

Background: Intercropping maize with legumes can enhance diversity, stability, complementary sharing of resources, maintain soil fertility, productivity and livelihood of the farmers. The current study was aimed to develop the scientific knowledge of maize and pulse intercropping and their combinations in different planting structures. Methods: The field experiment consisted of seven treatments viz. sole maize, sole soybean, sole green gram and two intercropping ratios of soybean and green gram with maize at 1:1 and 1:2 row ratios and laid out in randomized block design in four replications during 2018-19 at Imphal. The intercropping, economic and competitive efficiency indices were calculated accordingly. Result: Intercropping of maize either with soybean or green gram in 1:2 ratio gave the best combination based on intercropping and economic efficiencies. Maize + soybean at 1:2 row produced the highest maize equivalent yield (82.65 q ha-1), system productivity (22.60 kg ha-1 day-1) and production efficiency (55.84 kg ha-1 day-1). Maize + green gram at 1:2 ratio had significantly higher land equivalent ratio (1.7) and land equivalent co-efficient (0.54) whereas maize + soybean at 1:2 ratio produced the highest area time equivalent ratio (1.27). Competition between the crops was higher under maize + green gram at 1:1 ratio.

Economic assessment of maize (Zea mays L.) – Spinach (Basella alba L.) intercropping system for improving the livelihood of smallholders’ in South-Asia

Economic assessment of maize (Zea mays L.) – Spinach (Basella alba L.) intercropping system for improving the livelihood of smallholders’ in South-Asia

Evaluation of Comparable Crops to Maize in Rain Fed Alfisols of Telangana State

Tornala village of Siddipet District (Previously part of Medak district) in Telangana State comes under low rainfall area with an average annual rainfall of 787.6 mm and experiences extreme seasonal variation in rainfall. A new Agricultural Research Station was established in 2014 to meet the agricultural needs of adjoining areas of Siddipet District. Maize is one of the principal crops of the Siddipet District grown in light soils under rain fed situation. Erratic behaviour of rainfall results in moisture stress of both kinds (excess and deficit) during maize growing season which is leading to frequent crop failures. Millets and pulses are gaining importance which can be grown very well under rainfed situation. To create awareness among the farmers about the importance of other drought tolerant crops suitable for the situation and also to promote drought resistant and short duration, nutritional rich pulse crops in place of maize was the primary objective in conducting this trial. Keeping the above in view, a field experiment was conducted to identify a suitable crop comparable/ alternative to maize with a view to reduce the risk of crop failure under rain fed conditions and to realize the nutritive value of millets. Nine crops viz. Bajra, Ragi, Korra, Maize, Green gram, Pigeon pea, Cotton, Castor Hybrid (PCH 111) and Castor variety (Kranthi) were evaluated for three years. Yields of all the crops were converted into maize equivalent yields and economics was worked out. Pooled means were worked out for yield as well as for economic returns. Results showed that higher maize equivalent yield was recorded in Pigeon pea (4354 kg ha-1) followed by Bajra (2804 kg ha-1), ragi (2604 kg ha-1), cotton (2344 kg ha-1) and green gram (2075 kg ha-1). In terms of net returns pigeon pea recorded highest mean net returns (39080 Rs ha-1) followed by bajra (25553 Rs ha-1) and ragi (20614 Rs ha-1) whereas highest mean benefit cost ratio was with bajra (2.44) followed by pigeon pea (2.41) and ragi (2.05) compared to maize (2297 Rs ha-1 and 1.08 respectively). Hence, from the study it can be recommended that Bajra, Pigeon pea and Ragi can be grown in place of maize in low rain fall areas of Siddipet (Dt) under rain fed situation.

Influence of intercropping system and integrated nitrogen management in maize (popcorn) (Zea mays everta L.) - chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) intercropping under middle Gujarat conditions

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand to find out influence of intercropping system and integrated nitrogen management in maize (popcorn) (Zea mays everta L.) - chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) intercropping during rabi season of 2017-18 and 2018-19. There were sixteen treatment combinations comprised of four intercropping systems viz., S1: maize sole, S2: chickpea sole S3: maize - chickpea 1:1 and S4: maize - chickpea 2:2 placed as main plot treatments and four integrated nitrogen management viz., N1: 100 % RDN (Recommended Dose of Nitrogen), N2: 75 % RDN + 25 % vermicompost N3: 75 % RDN + 25 % FYM and N4 : 50 % RDN + 25 % vermicompost + 25 % FYM set as sub plot treatments in split plot design with four replications. The soil of experimental plot was loamy sand in texture. The soil was low in available nitrogen and medium in available phosphorous and in potash. Results revealed that maize crop intercropped with chickpea with 1:1 ratio recorded significantly higher cob length, cob girth, weight of cob, number of grains/cob, grain yield and stover yield of maize, and significantly higher plant height, number of nodules/plant, number of pods /plant, seed yield, dry fodder yield and harvest index of chickpea and higher maize equivalent yield. Integrated nitrogen management had remarkable impact on growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of maize - chickpea intercropping and significantly higher plant height, cob length, cob girth, weight of cob, number of grains /cob, grain yield, stover yield, protein content of maize, and number of nodules/plant, number of pods/plant, seed yield and haulm yield, harvest index, protein content of chickpea as well as maize equivalent yield were obtained with the crops fertilized with 50 % RDN + 25 % vermicompost + 25 % FYM.

Evaluation of Maize (Zea mays L.) + Legume Intercropping System for Productivity, Profitability, Energy Budgeting and Soil Health in Hill Terraces of Eastern Himalayan Region

Three-year (2014-2016) field experiment was conducted for evaluation of maize (Zea mays L.) based intercropping system for productivity, profitability, energy budgeting and soil health in Eastern Himalayan region. The treatments consisted of four sole crop viz. maize, soybean, groundnut, cowpea and six intercropping treatments viz. maize + groundnut (1:1), maize + soybean (1:1), maize + cowpea (1:1) and strip cropping of maize + groundnut (4:4), maize + soybean (4:4), maize + cowpea (4:4). The highest maize equivalent yield (10.2 t ha-1) was recorded in maize + groundnut cropping system (1:1) followed by maize + soybean (1:1) with 8.9 t ha-1. The highest SNBC (soil microbial biomass carbon) (66.2 mg g-1) and organic carbon (1.3%) were recorded with the cultivation of cowpea as a sole or intercrop. Strip cropping system, maize + cowpea (4:4) recorded the highest soil available N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha-1, highest energy efficiency (12.53) and energy productivity 955.01 g MJ-1

Intercropping of Cabbage with Maize

The experiment was carried out at the research field of Agricultural Research Station, Rajbari, Dinajpur (Latitude: 25.63544, Longitude: 88.65144) during rabi season of 2016-2017 and 2017-18 under AEZ-1 to find out the suitable crop combination for higher productivity and economic return. Five different treatments were employed in the study viz. T1= Sole maize (60cm x×20cm), T2= Maize planting (75cm×x 25cm) + 1 row cabbage (50cm×50cm) T3= Maize paired row (150cm/37.5cm x 25cm) + 2 rows cabbage (50cm x×50cm) T4=Maize planting (60cm x×20cm )+1 row cabbage (60cm x×50cm), T5= Maize paired row (120cm/30cm× x 20cm) + 2 rows cabbage (60cm x 50cm) were evaluated. Maize grain yield in intercropped combination varied from 6.60-9.23 t ha-1. But the highest maize yield was recorded in Maize planting (60cm x 20cm) + 1 row cabbage (60cm x 50cm) followed by that in maize paired row (150/37.5cm × 25cm) +2 rows cabbage (50cm x×50cm), while the highest cabbage yield was recorded in maize planting (60cm x 20cm) + 1 row cabbage(60cm x 50cm) between maize. The highest maize equivalent yield was also obtained in maize planting (60cm x 20cm) + 1 row cabbage (60cm x 50cm) followed by that in maize paired row (150/37.5cm x 25cm) + 2 rows cabbage (50cm x 50cm). The highest gross return, gross margin and BCR were obtained in maize planting (60cm × 20cm) + 1 row cabbage (60cm x 50cm) followed by that in maize paired row (150/37.5cm x 25cm) +2 rows cabbage(50cm x 50cm) and the lowest in sole sowing of maize. The overall results indicated that among the intercrop combinations maize planting (60cm x 20cm) + 1 row cabbage (60cm x 50cm) and maize paired row (150/37.5cm x 25cm) +2 rows cabbage (50cm x 50cm) were found suitable for total productivity and economic return of the system.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2019, 22(1): 115-120

Agro-Economic Performance of Intercropping Hybrid Maize with Vegetables and Spices at Farmer’s Field

The experiment was conducted at Multi Location Testing (MLT) site, Moulvibazar, Bangladesh during rabi season of 2016-17 and 2017-18 to study the profitability of intercropping of hybrid maize with vegetables and spices. Five intercrop combinations of hybrid maize along with sole maize were arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated six times. There were six treatments viz., T1: Maize + potato, T2: Maize + red amaranth, T3: Maize + spinach, T4: Maize+ data shak, T5: Maize + coriander and T6: Maize as sole. The grain yield of maize in intercropped combination varied significantly. The highest grain yield (9.71 t ha-1) was in sole maize. The highest maize equivalent yield 15.60 t ha-1 was recorded from the treatment T1 (100% maize + potato) whereas the lowest yield (8.61 t ha-1) was obtained from the treatment T6 (sole maize). The highest gross return (Tk. 312000 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (3.29) was obtained from the treatment T1 (100% maize + potato). On the contrary, the lowest gross margin (Tk. 101600 ha-1) was obtained from treatment T2 (maize + red amaranth). It revealed that the combination of maize with potato was more compatible and profitable intercropping system in Sylhet region of Bangladesh
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2018, 21(2): 73-78

Effects of conservation agriculture on productivity and Economics of maize-wheat based cropping systems in midwestern Nepal

The effects of two tillage methods (zero tillage and conventional tillage), two residue managements (residue kept and residue removed) and two levels of cropping system (maize + soybean and sole maize) were studied over 3 years (2015-2017) at Dailekh district of Nepal. Arun-2 and Puja were the varieties of maize and soybean used respectively, followed by winter wheat. The results revealed that the maize + soybean system had significantly higher plant population and ear population (34.83 thousands ha-1 and 34.35 thousands ha-1, respectively), grains per row (37.1), ear length (16.6 cm) and 20.5% higher grain yield as compared to sole maize. The highest maize equivalent yield (7.92 t ha-1) was recorded in maize + soybean as compared to the lower grain yield equivalent (7.06 t ha-1) in sole maize. Zero tillage accounted relatively higher benefits (high net income and B:C ratio) as compared to conventional tillage. The residue kept plot resulted significantly higher B:C ratio (2.41) than the residue removed (2.11) and the maize + soybean recorded 82.5% greater B:C ratio compared to sole maize. Net annual income was significantly higher in zero tillage, residue kept and maize + soybean system (NRs. 223072.00, 222958.00 and 269016.00 ha-1 respectively). Such combinations are recommended for Dailekh district of Nepal to have profitable crop productivity.
 SAARC J. Agri., 17(1): 49-63 (2019)

Effect of nutrient management approaches on maximizing productivity, nutrient uptake, soil fertility and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)- chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cropping sequence

Present investigation was conducted during Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2013-14 and 2014-15 at ARS, Raddewadagi, dist. Kalaburagi, UAS, Raichur, Karnataka to study the effect of nutrient management approaches on maximizing productivity, nutrient uptake, soil fertility and economics of maize-chickpea cropping sequence. Application of nutrients through SSNM for targeted yield of 7.0 or 8.0 t ha -1 recorded significantly higher growth attributes, yield and yield attributes and uptake of N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O in maize-chickpea cropping system as compared to farmers practice, RDF and STL method. However, it was at par with STCR approach targeted yield of 7 or 8.0 t ha -1 . Organic carbon content was non-significant in maize-chickpea sequence cropping system. However, significantly higher available N, P 2 O 5 and K 2 O (301.05, 62.93 and 439.38 kg ha -1 , respectively) were noticed with nutrients applied through 125 per cent SSNM approach for targeted yield of 8.0 t ha -1 as compared to absolute control, farmers practice, state recommendation, STL method and 125 per cent SSNM approach for targeted yield of 7.0 t ha -1 after harvest of second crop in maize-chickpea sequence cropping system and it was on par with SSNM or STCR approach for targeted yield of 7.0 or 8.0 t ha -1 . The cost of cultivation of maize-chickpea sequence was higher (Rs. 50,542 ha -1 ) with nutrients applied through 125 per cent SSNM approach for targeted yield of 8.0 t ha -1 . However, the higher maize-equivalent yield, gross returns, net returns and BC ratio (19083 kg ha -1 , Rs.2,53,985, Rs. 2,04,279 ha -1 and 5.11, respectively) could be achieved in SSNM approach targeted yield of 8.0 t ha -1 followed by STCR approach targeted yield of 8.0 t ha -1 (18751 kg ha -1 , Rs. 2,49,360, Rs. 1,99,828 ha -1 and 5.03, respectively) in maize-chickpea sequence cropping system.

Intercropping System of Maize with Different Winter Vegetables

The experiment was conducted at farmers’ fields of Hqripur in Dauadkandiupzilla underOn- Farm Research Division of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Comilla during the rabi seasons of 2012-13 and 2013-14 toevaluate the performance of maizeunder intercropping with different winter vegetables. The experiment comprised of four treatments viz., Maize + Spinach, Maize + Red amaranth, Maize + Coriander and Sole maize with four replications. Results revealed that each of maize- vegetables intercropping combinations showed superior in terms of gross return,net return, BCR and Maize equivalent yield (MEY) over sole cropping of maize. The highest grain yield of maize (9.61 t ha-1) was obtained fromMaize + coriander due to the highest contribution of yield contributing characters and lowest (7.8 t ha-1) yield was received from the treatment of maize + red amaranth intercropping system, where the sole maize produced second highest yield.The highest Maize equivalent yield (12.85 t ha-1), gross return (Tk. 128500 ha-1), net return (Tk. 80080 ha-1) and BCR (2.65) were found in the intercropping system Maize + Spinach which indicated the advantage of intercropping over the sole Maize cropping.

On-Farm Study on Intercropping of Hybrid Maize with Different Short Duration Vegetables in the Charland of Tangail

An experiment was conducted in charland at the Multi Location Testing (MLT) site Bhuapur, Tangail during 2012-13 and 2013-14 under AEZ-8 to find out the suitable intercropping system of hybrid maize with different short duration vegetables with economic return. The experiment was laid out in RCB design with six dispersed (six farmers’ field) replications. The hybrid maize (ver. BARI Hybrid maize-7), potato (Diamant), spinach (local), red amaranth (BARI Lalsak-1), Radish (BARI Mula-1) were used as the planting materials. Five treatment combinations viz. T1= Sole Maize, T2= 100% Maize (maize paired row) + Potato (var. Diamant), T3= 100% Maize (maize paired row) + Spinach (var. local), T4= 100% Maize (maize paired row) + Red amaranth (var. BARI Lalshak-1) and T5= 100% Maize (Maize paired row) + Radish (var. BARI Mula-1) were studied. Maize grain yield in intercropped combination varied from 5.59-7.62 t ha-1. But the highest grain yield (8.17 t ha-1) was obtained from sole maize. Maize equivalent yields in the intercrops situation ranged from 11.39-19.68 t ha-1 where highest maize equivalent yield 19.68 t ha-1 was recorded from the treatment T3 (100 % maize + spinach). The same combinations also gave highest gross return (Tk. 373930 ha-1) and gross margin (Tk. 258585 ha-1) as well as benefit cost ratio (3.24). Though highest grain yield was recorded from sole maize but equivalent yield and economic return was much lower than the treatment T3.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2015, 18(2): 65-69

Influence of intercropping on the stem borerChilo partellusin maize

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the intercrops on the incidence of maize stem borer, Chilo partellus at Maize Research Station, S.D. Agricultural University, Khedbrahma, Gujarat. Among intercrops, maize + cotton combination registered minimum (28.32%) damage and it was statistically at par with maize + sesamum (30.94%) followed by maize + pigeonpea (31.71%) and maize + castor (31.81%). Lowest stem tunneling was found in maize intercropped with pigeonpea (4.05%) and it was statistically at par with maize intercropped with cotton (4.22%) followed by black gram (4.23%) and green gram (4.26%). Highest maize equivalent yield was recorded from the pigeonpea (22.31 q/ha), while lowest maize equivalent yield observed was from black gram (16.10 q/ha)

Resource-use maximisation through legume intercropping with maize in the eastern Himalayan region of India

Intercropping provides opportunity to harness available resources. Thus, maize intercropped with soybean or peanut (groundnut) was tested with 1 : 1, 1 : 2, and 1 : 5 row proportions along with sole plantings of each crop to measure resource capture and resource-use efficiency. Results revealed that sole peanut had 60% higher maize-equivalent yield and 55% better production efficiency, followed by the 1 : 5 row proportion of maize–peanut, over sole maize. Intercropping increased land-use efficiency by 17–53% and land-equivalent coefficient by 0.21–0.56. The relative crowding coefficient was 39% higher with 1 : 2 maize–soybean, whereas the monetary advantage index was the highest (US$107) with the 1 : 5 maize–peanut. Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) uptakes by maize were 42.9% and 38.2%, respectively, higher with 1 : 5 maize–soybean, whereas phosphorus (P) uptake was 64% higher with 1 : 5 maize–peanut. However, the least amounts of N, P and K were mined overall with 1 : 5 of maize–soybean. Soil moisture content was improved by 24% and solar radiation interception by 37.8% with soybean alone over maize alone, and these parameters increased with higher row proportions of soybean. The energy parameters also improved with the 1 : 5 row proportions of maize–soybean or peanut intercropping. This study provides a basis for efficient resource use by maize–soybean (or peanut) intercropping system.

Performance of Spring Maize (Zea mays) in Spatial Association with Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and Urdbean (Vigna mungo) in Sub Tropical North India

Cereal–legume intercropping is a common practice in most of the countries. Intercropping of maize with legume or oilseed may be helpful in increasing food production. This study evaluated intercropping of maize (Zea mays L.) with sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and urdbean (Vigna mungo L.) under different planting row ratios. Ten treatments consisting of three sole crops (maize, sunflower, and urdbean) and seven intercropping in replacement row ratios of 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 and one additive with urdbean in 1 + 1 ratio were laid out in randomized block design with three replications. An improvement in yield attributes of maize, viz., cob length, cob girth, and 100-grain weight, was observed due to intercropping with urdbean. The maize + urdbean in 1 + 1 additive spatial system resulted in significantly higher maize equivalent yield (5847 kg ha−1) and production efficiency (134.2 %) than sole crop of maize. This system was also significantly more remunerative with the highest gross return ($ 700.48 ha−1) and net return ($ 476.83 ha−1) that was more by $ 179.18 and 151.68 ha−1 than sole maize crop, respectively. Spatial arrangement of sunflower and urdbean with maize in replacement manner was not productive and profitable.

Forage equivalent yield, quality, soil status and economics of maize (Zea maysL.) as influenced by intercropping of cowpea (Vigna unguiculataL.) and fertility levels during kharif season

A field experiment was conducted on loamy sand soils of Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during the years 2011–12 and 2012–13. The soil of the experimental plot was very low in organic carbon (0.19%) and available nitrogen (169 kg/ha), medium in available phosphorus (39.65 ka/ha) and potash (271 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in spit plot design with four replications. Fifteen treatment combinations comprised five intercropping treatments viz., IC1 (sole maize), IC2 (sole cowpea), IC3 (maize+cowpea 2: 1), IC4 (maize+cowpea 3: 1) and IC5 (maize+cowpea 3: 1) and three fertility levels viz., F1 (75% RDF), F2 (100% RDF) and F3 (125% RDF). Maize equivalent yield was significantly influenced by intercropping levels. Treatment IC4 (maize+cowpea 2: 1) recorded significantly higher maize equivalent yield than rest of the treatments. Application of treatments IC4 (maize+cowpea 2: 1) recorded significantly higher nitrogen content, crude protein content, crude fiber content and phosphorus content in both the crops. Intercropping levels failed to exhibit their significant influence on total ash content, potash content and neutral detergent fiber of both the crops. Regarding soil available nutrients, treatment IC2 (sole cowpea) registered maximum values of nitrogen content but phosphorus and potash content was not influenced significantly by intercropping after harvest of crops. The maize equivalent yield was significantly influenced by fertility levels. Application of F3 (125% RDF) produced significantly higher maize equivalent yield but it was statistically similar with treatment F2 (100% RDF). Application of 125% RDF recorded significantly higher nitrogen content and crude protein content and crude fiber content in both the crops as well as phosphorus content and total ash content in maize crop and it was at par with 100% RDF. Fertility levels failed to exhibit their significant influence on phosphorus content and total ash content in cowpea as well as potash content and neutral detergent fiber in both the crops. Regarding soil available nutrients, treatment F3 (125% RDF) registered maximum values of nitrogen but it was at par with F2 (100% RDF). Application of intercropping IC4 (maize+cowpea 2: 1) recorded higher net realization of Rs. 30185/ha and higher BCR value of 2.85. Among different fertility levels, application of 125% RDF resulted in higher net realization (Rs. 28865/ha) but higher BCR (2.68) was recorded with treatment F2 (100% RDF) with net realization (Rs. 28411/ha) closely followed by F3 (125% RDF). The land equivalent ratio (1.22) was highest with IC4 (maize+cowpea 2: 1).

English

The present experiment was carried out to study the intercropping effect of green gram, black gram, soybean, groundnut and red gram with maize during kharif season of 2009 and 2010. Treatments consisted of sole crop of maize [rows spaced 60 cm apart (M1) and paired rows (30 cm apart) spaced at 90 cm apart (M2)], green gram (GG), black gram (BG), soybean (SB), groundnut (GN), and red gram (RG); intercropping of M1+GG, M1+BG, M1+SB, M1+GN and M1+RG with 1:1 and M2+2GG, M2+2BG, M2+2SB, M2+2GN and M2+2RG with 2:2 row proportions. Maize equivalent yield was always higher in all the intercropping situations as compared to pure stand yield of maize. The highest maize grain yield was obtained with maize + green gram intercropping (2783.11 kg ha-1) in 1:1. The highest maize equivalent yield was observed with maize + red gram (5270.46 kg ha-1) in 2:2 intercropping system. Values of land equivalent ratio, relative value total, relative net return and area time equivalent ratio were greater than unity and differed significantly in between both the groups of 1:1 and 2:2 proportions of intercropping. Highest gross and net return of Rs.55191.60 ha-1 and Rs.39950.30 ha-1 respectively was recorded in maize+red gram (2:2) intercropping. Key words: Intercropping, maize, land equivalent ratio, area time equivalent ratio, sowing ratio, monetary advantage, net return, equivalent yield, rainfed.

On-farm study on intercropping of hybrid maize with short duration vegetables

The experiment was conducted at Multi Location Testing (MLT) site, Netrakona during rabi season of 2009-10 and 2010-11 to study the feasibility of intercropping of hybrid maize with different short duration vegetables and economic returns. Three intercrop combinations of hybrid maize along with sole maize were arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design replicated six times. There were four treatments viz., T1- Sole crop of maize, T2 - Three rows of red amaranth (25 cm apart) in between two (75 cm apart) rows of Maize, T3 - Three rows of bush bean (25 cm apart) in between two (75 cm apart) rows of Maize and T4 -Three rows of garden pea (25 cm apart) in between two (75 cm apart) rows of Maize. Yield contributing characters and yield of maize did not varied significantly due to intercropping with vegetables. The grain yield of maize in intercropped combination varied from 7.30-7.43 t/ha. But the highest grain yield (7.68 t/ha) was in sole maize. Maize equivalent yields in the intercrops ranged from 10.67-14.96 t/ha. The highest maize equivalent yield (14.96 t/ha), gross return (Tk. 224400/ha), gross margin (Tk.166830/ha) and benefit cost ratio (3.90) were obtained in maize + garden pea combination. The lowest maize equivalent yield (7.68 t/ha), gross return (Tk. 115200/ha), gross margin (Tk. 64128/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.26) were obtained from sole crop of maize. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i1.18195 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(1): 1-4, 2013

Fertilizer management in hybrid maize (Zea mays l.)-mukhikachu (Colocasia esculenta) relay cropping system

The experiment was conducted at the research field of Agronomy Division, BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur and ARS, Burirhat, Rangpur during consecutive two years of 2009-10 and 2010-11 to find out optimum fertilizer dose for hybrid maize-mukhikachu relay cropping system. Five fertilizer combinations viz, Recommended fertilizer of hybrid maize (RFM) + 112 kg N/ha, RFM + 25% recommended fertilizer of mukhikachu (RFK), RFM + 50% RFK, RFM + 75% RFK and RFM + 100% RFK were tested on hybrid maize-mukhikachu relay cropping system. Sole crops of hybrid maize (cv. BARI Hybrid Maize-5) and mukhikachu (cv. Bilashi) with their respective recommended fertilizer dose (maize: 255-55-140-40-6-2 kg/ha NPKSZnB and mukhikachu: 112-32-95-22 kg/ha NPKS) were included for comparison. Grain yield of sole maize with recommended fertilizer practice was identical with other fertilizer combinations at both the locations. Yield and yield components of mukhikachu under different fertilizer management practices increased with the increase of fertilizer levels up to RFM + 50% RFK and then decreased at both the locations. Edible yield of sole kachu with recommended fertilizer practice was the highest but it was identical to RFM + 50% RFK at both the locations. The highest maize equivalent yield (Joy: 24.26 t/ha, Buri: 31.56 t/ha) and gross return (Joy: Tk 291120/ha, Buri: Tk 378720/ha) was recorded in RFM + 50% RFK. But the highest gross margin (Joy: Tk 207035/ha, Buri: Tk 291570/ha) was obtained from RFM + 25% RFK at Joydebpur and from RFM + 50% RFK at Burirhat. The highest benefit cost ratio (Joy: 3.69, Buri: 4.64) was found from RFM + 112 kg N/ha at both the locations. The results revealed that recommended fertilizer dose (255-55-140-40-6-2kg/ha NPKSZnB) of hybrid maize plus 112 kg N/ha (extra) might be economically profitable for hybrid maize mukhikachu relay cropping system at both the locations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v38i3.16975 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 38(3): 481-489, September 2013