Effect of irrigation and drainage requirement on water-use efficiency and yield of pure and maize (Zea mays)-based intercrops

A field experiment with 3 levels of water management practices (rainfed wit h and without drainage, and irrigation with drainage) and 5 cropping system s -maize (Zea mays L.), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), maize +turmeric and maize + groundnut was conducted during rainy season of 1990-92. Leaf area index and dry-matter production of all the cr ops were maximum under irrigation and proper drainage system. Maize-equival ent yield was significantly highest (8.2 tonnes/ha) in case of maize + turm eric as compared to sole crops as well as maize + groundnut intercropping s ystem during first year. However, during second year, difference between ma ize + turmeric and maize + groundnut system was not pronounced. Net return during first year did not differ between maize + groundnut and maize + turm eric but during second year maize + groundnut excelled in net return as com pared to maize + turmeric. Irrigation with drainage provision resulted in m aximum yield equivalence (7.5 tonnes/ha) and net return (Rs 11 752) as comp ared to other treatments. The water-use efficiency was maximum in case of p ure crop of turmeric (0.499 tonne/ ha/cm) while in second year it was maxim um (0.583 tonne/ha/cm) under sole crop of groundnut.