OPTIMAL NITROGEN LEVELS FOR BEANS (PHASEOLUS-VULGARIS L) AND MAIZE (ZEA-MAYS L) INTERCROPS UNDER SEMIARID CONDITIONS IN KENYA

Bean cultivars ''Mwezi Moja'', ''Small Rosecoco'', and ''Canadian Wond er'' were planted in pure stands and in association with maize at vary ing N levels at Katumani, Machakos. Maize yields were significantly re duced (P<0.05) by intercropping with beans. On the other hand, bean yi elds improved as the rates of N increased peaking at 75 Kg N/ha. Inter cropping, however, significantly (P<0.05) reduced the bean yields (pod s per plant). Intercropping maize with beans under different N fertili zer regimes increased the food output per unit land as measured by Lan d Equivalent Ratios 9% (lowest) to 97% (highest).