Suitability of maize (Zea mays) based intercropping system

A field experiment was conducted during the summer 1993 and 1994 to study t he performance of maize (Zea mays L.) + greengram (Phaseolus radiatus L.), blackgram (Phaseolus mungo L.), soybean [Glycine maw (L.) Merr.], groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) intercropping for yi eld. Legumes at 1:1 row ratio not only improved the yield components and gr ain yield of maize but also gave bonus yield, which increased the maize equ ivalent yield and combined yield with higher monetary advantage and biologi cal efficiency/unit area and time over their respective monocultures. Sesam e appeared to be more competitive and non-compatible with maize. However, m aize + greengram at 1:1 row ratio was found to be the most economically via ble system with highest land equivalent ratio (1.54), monetary advantage (R s 5 973/ha), net return (Rs 8 541) and net production value (1.83).