Maize Equivalent Yield Research Articles

Productivity and economics of different cropping systems in relation to tillage, mulching and fertilizer management practices in north-western Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

Diversification and intensification of existing rice-wheat cropping system in north-west Indo-Gangetic Plains with suitable resource conserving practices is the key answer for increasing profitability. Keeping this in view, a field experiment was conducted at Ludhiana during 2014-15 and 2015-16 to study the effect of tillage, mulching and fertilizer management practices on productivity and economics of different cropping systems. The results showed that minimum tillage produced significantly higher economic yield of maize (Zea mays L.) (42.98 and 44.86 q/ha), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (47.57 and 48.30 q/ha), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) (252.42 and 254.93 /ha), vegetable pea (Pisum sativum L.) (132.42 and 137.08 q/ha) and spring maize (64.88 and 66.55 q/ha). Significantly higher maize equivalent yield (4.6 and 3.5%), higher net returns (Rupees 153445 and 170803/ha) and B:C (1.33 and 1.43) was obtained under minimum tillage than conventional tillage. The productivity of maize-based cropping systems was significantly higher than conventional rice-wheat cropping systems. Maize-vegetable pea-spring maize produced 119 and 137% higher MGEY and higher net returns (Rupees 218738 and 259235/ha), while maize-potato-spring maize showed 82 and 74% higher MGEY over rice-wheat cropping systems. Organic manures (FYM) in conjugation with inorganic fertilizers (75% RDF + 25% N through FYM) resulted in comparable MGEY with inorganic fertilizer (100% RDF). Application of mulch along with fertilizer treatments resulted in significantly higher MGEY as compared to fertilizer treatments without mulch. Gross returns were higher under mulch with fertilizer treatments, while the B:C ratio under mulch with fertilizer treatments was less as compared to fertilizer treatments without mulch.

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Response of optimum nitrogen rate in maize with legume intercropping system

A field experiment was conducted at S.V. Agricultural College farm (ANGRAU), Tirupati, India during rabi, 2009-10. The experiment was consisted of five system treatments (sole maize at 60 x 20 cm sowing, sole maize in skipped row sowing, maize in skipped row + greengram, maize in skipped row + blackgram and maize in skipped row + cluster bean) and three nitrogen doses (100, 75 and 50% recommended dose of nitrogen). The treatment combinations were laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Yield attributes and grain yield of maize were maximum with sole maize at 60x20cm spacing but at par with maize + cluster bean, maize + blackgram and maize + greengram intercropping system. The lowest parameters were observed with sole maize sown in skipped rows. All the parameters were maximum with the application of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen to maize, but comparable with that of 75%. The maize equivalent yield, land equivalent ratio and benefit cost ratio were higher with maize + cluster bean intercropping as compared to other treatments. The result revealed that among the different maize intercropping systems tested, maize in skipped rows + cluster bean with 75% recommended dose of nitrogen to maize was found economically profitable.SAARC J. Agri., 15(1): 139-148 (2017)

Effect of Preceding Crops and Nitrogen Rates on Economic Studies of Winter Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy research farm of IAAS, Rampur, chitwan, Nepal during summer and winter season 2010 and 2011 to study the effect of crop sequence and nitrogen rates on hybrid maize. The research finding revealed that maximum gross return (Rs 53660 /ha in 2010 and Rs 60450/ha in 2011) was obtained from maize grown after greengraml while maximum net return (Rs 30170/ha in 2010 and Rs 33440/ha in 2011) was obtained from maize under greengram-maize sequences. Benefit & cost ratio was maximum (1.22 in 2010 and 1.18 in 2011) from maize under greengram-maize sequences while it was minimum (0.50 in 2010 and 0.47 in 2011) under maize–maize sequences. Maximum maize equivalent yield 11516 kg /ha in 2010 and 12710 kg /ha in 2011) was obtained under maize-maize sequences while it was minimum (4310 kg /ha in 2010 and 4624 kg /ha in 2011) under clusterbean-maize sequences. Maize equivalent yield was maximum (10824 kg /ha in 2010 and 11923 kg /ha in 2011) with 200 kg N/ha while it was minimum (7384 kg /ha in 2010 and 8206 kg /ha in 2011) without nitrogen. Grain production efficiency was maximum (32.0 kg /ha/day under greengram– maize sequences in 2010. but in 2011, maximum grain production efficiency (34.8 kg /ha /day) was recorded under maize–maize sequences which was comparable to grain production efficiency under greengram-maize sequence. Maximum grain production efficiency (29.2 kg/ha/day in 2010 and 32.8 kg /ha/day in 2011) was obtained with 200 kg N/ha.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 5(2): 180-187

Maize–common bean intercropping to optimize maize-based crop production

SUMMARYMaize (Zea mays L.)–common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercropping is a recent practice in north-western Ethiopia and there is limited information on its productivity. A field experiment was conducted at South Achefer and Mecha in north-western Ethiopia during the 2012 and 2013 crop growing seasons to determine combinations of intercrop planting arrangement (IPA) with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) rates for optimizing maize–common bean intercrop productivity and profitability. Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of two IPA (single row of common bean between maize rows and paired rows of common bean between paired rows of maize), two N rates (92 and 128 kg N/ha) and two P rates (20 and 40 kg P/ha). A sole crop maize with recommended fertilizer rate of 128/40 kg N/P/ha was used as a control treatment. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that land equivalent ratio was more than unity, and the intercrop system was 20% more productive relative to the sole crop. Maize equivalent yields were highest for most of the intercrop treatments relative to mono-crop maize with yield advantage of 14% from single row IPA with 128/20 kg N/P/ha. Single row IPA with 128/20 kg N/P/ha and paired row IPA with 92/20 kg N/P/ha increased financial returns by 16 and 8% relative to sole crop maize, respectively. Smallholder maize-based cropping of north-western Ethiopia could be nutritionally, agronomically and financially improved through maize–common bean intercropping of single row IPA with appropriate nutrient management.

Potential of conservation agriculture (CA) for climate change adaptation and food security under rainfed uplands of India: A transdisciplinary approach

Rainfed agro-ecosystems, the purported grey patches untouched by the Green Revolution or most technological advances, occupy a prominent position in Indian agriculture. Cropping intensities and crop yields are low and unstable in these areas due to unpredictable patterns of rainfall, a host of biotic and abiotic stresses and adherence to traditional farm practices. This precarious food security situation is especially dangerous in the central Indian tribal belt (also known as the poverty belt) which is a typical rainfed area dominated by tribal communities. More than 90% of the tribal people are totally dependent on agriculture and produce much of what they eat. Small land holdings and their low productivity, along with uncertainties in rainfall patterns, increases economic and social risks for these farmers. With degraded soils and unreliable weather patterns, return on investment is uncertain and likely to be much lower overall than under irrigated conditions with better soils. Under such conditions, one approach to achieve improved crop production is to minimize soil and other natural resource degradation by adopting a set of crop-nutrient-water-land system management practices, such as conservation agriculture (CA). To assess the effect of introduced technology under local ecological and socio-economic conditions, the study focused on two ecosystem services: a) provisional, and b) regulatory through five treatments consisting of farmers' traditional practice (FP) which was conventional tillage with broadcast of local variety maize (Zea mays L.); and four CA treatments viz., conventional tillage with sole cropped maize using line sowing of the improved maize cultivar ‘Nilesh’ (CT-M); conventional tillage with maize intercropped with the improved cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. cultivar ‘Hariyalli Bush’) (CT-M+C); reduced tillage with sole cropped maize (MT-M); and reduced tillage with maize+cowpea (MT-M+C). After harvest of maize and cowpea, mustard was planted as a post rainy season crop and all the mustard plant residues were returned to their respective plots as residue cover except FP. Under provisional ecosystem services, performance of CA on crop yield, and profitability was assessed through maize equivalent yield and partial budget analysis, respectively. Results showed that reduced tillage combined with maize-cowpea intercropping (MT-M+C) followed by mustard residue retention had higher system productivity and net benefits, an increase of 200% and 230%, respectively over FP. Under regulatory ecosystem services, the soil quality was assessed through calculation of soil quality index (SQI) which was highest under MT-M+C followed by mustard residue retention and lowest under farmers' practices. In terms of CA treatment preference, 35% of the farmers indicated a strong preference for MT-M+C compared to 14% for FP. Combined, these results clearly demonstrate the potential of CA to simultaneously increase yield, diversify crop production and improve soil quality which should support a move towards sustainable intensification of crop production to improve future household income and food security. Additionally, using a transdisciplinary approach fully engaged all stakeholders in co-designing the CA treatments appropriate for the farmers and local environmental conditions leading to significant impacts on economic livelihoods, environmental sustainability and food security.

Yield maximization through resource conservation technologies under maize-chickpea cropping system in vertisols of Tunga Bhadra Command Project Area of Karnataka

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of tillage, crop residue and fertilizer management on maize-chickpea cropping system from 2007–08 to 2013–14 at Agricultural Research Station, Siruguppa, Karnataka, India. The experiment was conducted in deep black soil with split-split plot design and treatments were replicated thrice. The experiment included 24 treatment combinations of four tillage practices viz., Conventional tillage (M1), Reduced tillage (M2), Zero tillage (M3) and Bed planting (M4) were assigned to main plots, three crop residue managements viz., Burning (S1), Retention (S2) and Retrieval (S3) were to sub-plots and three fertilizer managements viz., T1: Recommended N, P2O5K2O (150: 75: 37.5 kg/ha for maize and 25: 50: 00 kg/ha for chickpea), T2: T1+25% RDN and T3: T2+micronutrients (S-50 kg/ha and ZnSO4-20 kg/ha) for sub-sub plots. The hybrid maize (NK 6240) was sown in the first fortnight of July and after harvest of the maize crop, chickpea (JG 11) was sown during the fourth week of November or first week of December in each year. The pooled yield of maize and chickpea over six years was significantly influenced by tillage and fertilizer management practices. Among the different practices, the higher maize and chickpea grain yield of 6434 and 1236 kg/ha was recorded in bed planting in tillage practices and 6388 and 1192 kg/ha in 100% RDF+25% RDN+S+ZnSO4 application in fertilizer management practices, respectively, when compared to other management practices. Similarly, the significantly higher pooled total maize equivalent yield (TMEY, 8887 kg/ha) and system productivity (24.4 kg/ha/day) were recorded with bed planting compared to other tillage practices and it was at par with conventional tillage. Retrieval method of residue management practice recorded significantly superior TMEY (8590 kg/ha) and system productivity (23.5 kg/ha/day) compared to retention of residue on land. Application of 100% RDF+25% RDN+S+ZnSO4 produced significantly higher TMEY (8779 kg/ha) and system productivity (24.1 kg/ha/day) as compared to application of 100% RDF. Similar trend in N and K uptake by the system was noticed in bed planting (178 and 144 kg/ha/year), retrieval (173 and 141 kg/ha/year) and application of 100% RDF+25% RDN+S+ZnSO4 (177 and 145 kg/ha/year).

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.

Maize-common bean/lupine intercrop productivity and profitability in maize-based cropping system of Northwestern Ethiopia

Cereal-legume intercropping is common in Ethiopia but intercropping of common bean and lupine with maize is a recent practice in maize based cropping system of Northwestern Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to determine the appropriate legume species and planting arrangement for higher productivity and profitability of the cropping system. Field experiments were conducted at two sites in Northwestern Ethiopia during the 2012 and 2013 main cropping seasons. Intercropping of common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.), narrow-leaf lupine ( Lupinus angustifolius L.), and white lupine ( Lupinus albus L.) with maize ( Zea mays L.) were conducted under two intercrop planting arrangements (IPA), single row of legume in between maize rows and paired rows of legume in between paired rows of maize and sole cropping of maize as check treatment in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that maize grain yield was 16% and 13% more on maize-narrow leaf lupine intercropping with paired and single row IPA, respectively, relative to sole crop maize. Maize equivalent yield and land equivalent ratio were on average 18% and 42%, respectively, higher with intercropping compared to sole cropping. Maize-bean with single and paired row IPA, and the maize-narrow leaf lupine with the paired row IPA produced 28%, 23%, and 20% more maize equivalent yield compared to sole crop maize, respectively. The associated increases in net return were 22%, 17%, and 15%. The results indicated enhanced productivity and economic return of maize-common bean intercropping, which could be scaled up for increasing household food security. Keywords : Cropping system, Economic return, Maize equivalent yield, Land equivalent ratio, Paired row, Single row.

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

Conservation Agriculture Practices in Rainfed Uplands of India Improve Maize-Based System Productivity and Profitability.

Traditional agriculture in rainfed uplands of India has been experiencing low agricultural productivity as the lands suffer from poor soil fertility, susceptibility to water erosion and other external pressures of development and climate change. A shift toward more sustainable cropping systems such as conservation agriculture production systems (CAPSs) may help in maintaining soil quality as well as improving crop production and farmer’s net economic benefit. This research assessed the effects over 3 years (2011–2014) of reduced tillage, intercropping, and cover cropping practices customized for maize-based production systems in upland areas of Odisha, India. The study focused on crop yield, system productivity and profitability through maize equivalent yield and dominance analysis. Results showed that maize grain yield did not differ significantly over time or among CAPS treatments while cowpea yield was considered as an additional yield in intercropping systems. Mustard and horsegram grown in plots after maize cowpea intercropping recorded higher grain yields of 25 and 37%, respectively, as compared to those without intercropping. Overall, the full CAPS implementation, i.e., minimum tillage, maize–cowpea intercropping and mustard residue retention had significantly higher system productivity and net benefits than traditional farmer practices, i.e., conventional tillage, sole maize cropping, and no mustard residue retention. The dominance analysis demonstrated increasing benefits of combining conservation practices that exceeded thresholds for farmer adoption. Given the use of familiar crops and technologies and the magnitude of yield and income improvements, these types of CAPS should be acceptable and attractive for smallholder farmers in the area. This in turn should support a move toward sustainable intensification of crop production to meet future household income and nutritional needs.

Competitive ability of intercrops and herbicides for controlling weeds in maize (Zea mays L.)

ABSTRACT :A field experiment was conducted in the sandy loam soil of Kanke, Ranchi during Kharif seasons of 2004 and 2005, to find out most effective combinations of intercrops and herbicides for controlling weeds in Kharif maize. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design comprising five cropping systems, i.e., sole maize, sole soybean, sole groundnut, intercropping of maize+soybean (1:2) and intercropping of maize+groundnut (1:2) as main plots and five weed management practices, i.e., weedy check, weeding thrice at 15, 30 and 45 days after sowing, oxyfluorfen @ 0.2 kg a.i. ha-1 as pre-emergence, alachlor @ 2.0 kg a.i. ha-1 as preemergence and butachlor @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 as pre-emergence + quizalofop-ethyl @ 100 ml ha-1 as post emergence, as sub plot treatments, replicated thrice. The result showed that maize intercropped with soybean and hand weeded thrice has lowest weed density and weed dry weight, which were statistically at par with that of maize intercropped with soybean and sprayed with oxyfluorfen @ 0.2 kg a.i. ha-1 as pre-emergence. The highest maize equivalent yield of 8039 kg ha-1 was recorded with maize+groundnut and hand weeded thrice, which was found to be statistically at par with maize+groundnut, treated with oxyfluorfen @ 0.2 kg a.i. ha-1 as preemergence and maize+soybean, treated with oxyfluorfen @ 0.2 kg a.i. ha-1 as pre-emergence, having maize equivalent yields of 7595 kg ha-1 and 7189 kg ha-1, respectively. The highest net return was recorded from the intercropping of maize+groundnut, treated with oxyfluorfen @ 0.2 kg a.i. ha-1 as pre-emergence, which can be used as the most effective and profitable combination in controlling weeds in Kharif maize.

Effect of potassium on soil conservation and productivity of maize/cowpea based crop rotations in the north-west Indian Himalayas

Plots under conservation tillage may require higher amount of potassium (K) application for augmenting productivity due to its stratification in upper soil layers, thereby reducing K supplying capacity in a medium or long-term period. To test this hypothesis, a field experiment was performed in 2002-2003 and 2006-2007 to study the effect of K and several crop rotations on yield, water productivity, carbon sequestration, grain quality, soil K status and economic benefits derived in maize (Zea mays L)/cowpea (Vigna sinensis L.) based cropping system under minimum tillage (MT).All crops recorded higher grain yield with a higher dose of K (120 kg K2O ha-1) than recommended K (40 kg K2O ha-1). The five years’ average yield data showed that higher K application (120 kg K2O ha-1) produced 16.4% (P<0.05) more maize equivalent yield. Cowpea based rotation yielded 14.2% (P<0.05) higher production than maize based rotation. The maximum enhancement was found in cowpea-mustard rotation. Relationshipbetween yield and sustainable indices revealed that only agronomic efficiency of fertilizer input was significantly correlated with yield. Similarly, higher doses of K application not only increased the water use efficiency (WUE) of all crops, but also reduced runoff and soil lossby 16.5% and 15.8% under maize and 23.3% and 19.7% under cowpea cover, respectively. This study also revealed that on an average 16.5% of left over carbon input contributed to soil organic carbon (SOC). Here, cowpea based rotation with the higher K application increased carbon sequestration in soil.Potassium fertilization also significantly improved the nutritional value of harvested grain by increasing the protein content for maize (by 9.5%) and cowpea (by 10.6%). The oil content in mustard increased by 5.0% and 6.0% after maize and cowpea, respectively. Net return also increased with the application of the higher K than recommended K and the trend was similar to yield. Hence, the present study demonstrated the potential yield and profit gains along with resource conservation in the Indian Himalayas due to annual additions of higher amount of K than the recommended dose. The impact of high K application was maximum in the cowpea-mustard rotation.

Conservation agriculture in irrigated intensive maize-based systems of north-western India: Effects on crop yields, water productivity and economic profitability

In north-western India, maize-based systems are being advocated as an alternative to rice-based systems to address the issues of resource degradation, particularly declining water tables and climate-change-induced variability in rainfall and temperature. Conservation agriculture (CA) based best-bet crop management practices may increase crop and water productivity, while conserving and sustaining natural resources. In a 6-year study of conservation agriculture experiment established in 2008, we have evaluated the performance of CA-based management practices [permanent bed (PB) and zero tillage (ZT)] and conventional till (CT) for four intensified irrigated maize systems [maize-wheat-mungbean (MWMb), maize-chickpea-Sesbania green manure (MCS), maize-mustard-mungbean (MMuMb) and maize-maize-Sesbania (MMS)]. Significant (P<0.05) tillage and cropping system interactions were observed for system productivity. Agronomic performance (yield attributes) of all the crops (except wheat) grown in sequence with maize was maximum with ZT, however wheat outperformed on PB over ZT and CT. In the initial two years, higher system productivity (maize equivalent yield) was recorded in PB (8.2–8.5Mgha−1), while from third year onwards ZT registered maximum productivity (11.3–12.9Mgha−1).The system glucose equivalent yield increased by 0.6Mgha−1 under ZT and PB compared to CT. Economic profits from maize-based rotations were invariably higher either in MMuMb or MWMb systems, while in terms of glucose equivalent yield, MMS and MWMb rotation were highest. Synergistic effects of summer legumes (mungbean and Sesbania) after winter legume/oilseed/cereal were observed on yield of individual crop vis-a-vis system productivity and irrigation water use. ZT and PB practices reduced the irrigation water requirement by 40–65ha-mm and 60–98ha-mm, respectively compared to CT system, resulted enhanced system water productivity by 19.4% equally under both ZT and PB. Net profit from the maize-based systems under ZT was up to 31% higher with 72$ha−1 lower production cost compared to CT. Results from our study showed that adoption of CA based tillage practices in MMuMb and MWMb system for sustainable increase of crop and water productivity in north-western region of India.

Economics, energy, and environmental assessment of diversified crop rotations in sub-Himalayas of India.

Reducing the carbon footprint and increasing energy use efficiency of crop rotations are the two most important sustainability issues of the modern agriculture. Present study was undertaken to assess economics, energy, and environmental parameters of common diversified crop rotations (maize-tomato, and maize-toria-wheat) vis-a-vis traditional crop rotations like maize-wheat, maize + ginger and rice-wheat of the north-western Himalayan region of India. Results revealed that maize-tomato and maize + ginger crop rotations being on par with each other produced significantly higher system productivity in terms of maize equivalent yield (30.2-36.2 t/ha) than other crop rotations (5.04-7.68 t/ha). But interestingly in terms of energy efficiencies, traditional maize-wheat system (energy efficiency 7.9, human energy profitability of 177.8 and energy profitability of 6.9 MJ/ha) was significantly superior over other systems. Maize + ginger rotation showed greater competitive advantage over other rotations because of less consumption of non-renewable energy resources. Similarly, maize-tomato rotation had ability of the production process to exploit natural resources due to 14-38% less use of commercial or purchased energy sources over other crop rotations. Vegetable-based crop rotations (maize + ginger and maize-tomato) maintained significantly the least carbon footprint (0.008 and 0.019 kg CO2 eq./kg grain, respectively) and the highest profitability (154,322 and 274,161 Rs./ha net return, respectively) over other crop rotations. As the greatest inputs of energy and carbon across the five crop rotations were nitrogen fertilizer (15-29% and 17-28%, respectively), diesel (14-24% and 8-19%, respectively) and irrigation (10-27% and 11-44%, respectively), therefore, alternative sources like organic farming, conservation agriculture practices, soil and water conservation measures, rain water harvesting etc. should be encouraged to reduce dependency of direct energy and external carbon inputs particularly in sub-Himalayas of India.

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)

Intercropping Maize with Different Vegetables

An intercropping experiment was conducted in the farmer’s field at Farming Systems Research and Development (FSRD) Site, Kushumhati, Sherpur in sandy loam soil of medium high land during rabi season 2011-12 to observe the productivity and economic feasibility of intercropping systems as compare3d to sole crop (viz. maize + potato, maize + Radish, maize-+-coriander, maize + bushbean, maize + spinach, maize + lalshak and maize sole). The result indicated that grain yield of maize was reduced due to intercropping systems but this reduction was compensated by intercropped. The highest grain yield of maize was found from sole maize (10.90 t ha-1) and lowest (9.32 t ha-1) from intercropped with potato. The maximum maize equivalent yield (14.04 t ha-1), gross return (Tk.10,5300/ha),gross margin (Tk. 75,527/ ha),, and benefit cost ratio (BCR) (3.54) was obtained from maize + bushbean intercropping systems which was adventitious over sole maize cropping.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2015, 18(1): 49-52

Suitability study of local bush bean cultivars intercropped with hybrid maize under different planting system in hilly areas

An intercropping experiment was conducted on hill valley at Hill Agricultural Research Station, Ramgarh and Kharachari during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2012-13 and 2013-14 to select suitable local bush bean cultivar for intercropping with hybrid maize in hilly areas of Bangladesh. Seven intercropping treatments viz., T1 = Normal maize spacing (75 cm × 25 cm) + 2 rows black seeded bush bean,T2 = Normal maize spacing (75 cm × 25 cm) + 2 rows pink seeded bush bean,T3 = Maize wider spacing (100 cm × 25 cm) with 1 plant/hill + 3 rows black seeded bush bean,T4 = Maize wider spacing (100 cm × 25 cm) with 1 plant/hill + 3 rows pink seeded bush bean, T5 = Maize wider spacing (100 cm × 50 cm) with 2 plants/hill + 3 rows black seeded bush bean, T6 = Maize wider spacing (100 cm × 50 cm) with 2 plants/hill + 3 rows pink seeded bush bean and T7 = Sole maize spacing (75 cm × 25 cm) were used. Sole hybrid maize produced the highest grain yield at both the locations. Bush bean cultivars in intercropped situation depressed hybrid maize yields by 7.15-37.29% at Ramgarh and 2.56-37.51% at Khagrachari compared to sole hybrid maize. The highest maize equivalent yield of 23.10 t/ha at Ramgarh and 24.08 t/ha at Khagrachari was recorded in maize wider spacing (100 cm × 25 cm) with 1 plant/hill + 3 rows pink seeded bush bean combination (T4). The same treatment also showed the highest gross return (Tk 277200/ha at Ramgarh and Tk 288960/ha at Khagrachari), gross margin (Tk 180050/ha at Ramgarh and Tk 191810/ha at Khagrachari) and benefit cost ratio (2.85 at Ramgarh and 2.97 at Khagrachari). The result revealed that maize wider spacing (100 cm × 25 cm) with 1 plant/hill + 3 rows pink seeded bush bean could be suitable and economically profitable for hybrid maize and bush bean intercropping in hill valleys of Bangladesh.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(2): 325-332 June 2015

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.

Hybrid maize and sweet potato intercropping: a technology to increase productivity and profitability for poor hill farmers in Bangladesh

The experiment was conducted at the Hill Agricultural Research Station, Khagrachari during two winter seasons of 2010-11 and 2011-12 to find out suitable planting system of the component crops for increasing productivity and profitibility for hill farmers of Bangladesh. Three intercrop combinations viz., (i) maize paired row + 2 rows sweet potato, (ii) maize normal row +1 row sweet potato and (iii) sweet potato normal row + 1 row maize were evaluated against their respective sole crops. In all combinations, light availability was more at early growth stage and reduced gradually with the advancement of canopy development of maize. Light availability was minimum at 100 days after emergence and thereafter slightly increased in three intercrop combinations. Among intercrop combinations, light availability to sweet potato canopy was more in maize paired row + 2 rows sweet potato combination through out the crop period which enhance tuber formation, tuber bulging and tuber yield. Contrary, sweet potato vines provide a mulch cover for maize which preserve soil moisture and reduce weed infestation producing higher yield and yield components of maize. Maize yield (cob yield: 19.82 t ha-1, grain yield: 8.98 t ha-1), tuber yield of sweet potato (17.11 t ha-1) and maize equivalent yield (cob equivalent yield: 42.63 t ha-1, grain equivalent yield: 15.82 t ha-1) were the highest in maize paired row + 2 rows sweet potato combination. Similarly, the highest gross return (for cob: Tk. 1,27,890 ha-1, for grain: Tk. 1,58,200 ha-1), gross margin (for cob: Tk. 87,890 ha-1, for grain: Tk.1,08,200 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (for cob: 3.20, for grain: 3.16) were also obtained from the same combination. The results revealed that maize paired row + 2 rows sweet DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v12i2.21922 SAARC J. Agri., 12(2): 101-111 (2014)