Rainy-season maize (Zea mays)-based cropping systems in Andhra Pradesh

An experiment was conducted during rainy and winter seasons of 1994-95 and 1995-96 at Karimnagar, to find out a suitable and profitable rainy-season m aize (Zea mays L.)-based cropping system for sandy-loam soils of Sri Ram Sa gar Project Command areas of Andhra Pradesh. The treatments consisted of ma ize-maize, maize-groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), maize-sunflower (Helianth us annuus L.), maize-Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L,) Czerry. & Cosson] , maize-sesame (Sesamum indicum L,), maize-greengram (Phaseolus radiatus L, ) and maize-pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]. Pooled data revealed th at maximum maize-grain equivalent was recorded in maize-groundnut cropping system (140.5 q/ha) and was significantly superior to that of remaining cro pping systems. The lowest maize-grain equivalent (65.5 q/ha) was found unde r maize-sesame cropping system. Production efficiency based on 2 crops dura tion in a year was found highest with maize-pigeonpea, followed by maize-ma ize and maize-groundnut. The sustainable index based on yield and value, ne t return/ha, return/ha/day and benefit : cost ratio were found maximum with maize-groundnut cropping system. Therefore the rainy-season maize followed by groundnut was found the most profitable and viable cropping system.