Row ratio in maize (Zea mays) - legume intercropping in temperate valley condition

A field investigation was carried out during kharif 1995-96 on silty-clay l oam soils of Shalimar to select out the compatible pulse crop for intercrop ping with maize and to find out suitable row ratio of maize and pulse in in tercropping system. Studies indicated that frenchbean (Phaseolus vulgaris L .) was found better than greengram (Phaseolus radiatus L.) for intercroppin g with maize. The row ratio of 1 : 2 (maize-frenchbean) attained maximum gr ain yield, maize equivalent and land equivalent ratio (1.61). Results also revealed that association of frenchbean with maize crop improved availabili ty of residual nitrogen in the soil and proved profitable with highest bene fit:cost ratio (1.87).