Production potential of winter maize (Zea mays)-based intercropping systems

A field experiment was conducted during the winter season of 1993 and 1994 to study the production potential and economics of winter maize (Zea mays L .) intercropped with lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus), gram (Cicer arietinum L.), pea (Pisum salivum L, sensulato), wheat (Trilicum aestivum L, emend. Fiori and Paol.) and mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj and Cosson] at 1: 1 and 1.2 row ratio. Values of land equivalent ratio, area-time equivalent ratio, relative value total and relative net return with all the intercropp ing systems were greater than unity indicating advantage in yield, land-use efficiency and monetary return/unit time and space over the respective mon ocultures. Intercropping of maize with legumes was more advantageous compar ed with the non-legumes. Intercropping pea at 1:1 row ratio with maize appe ared to be biologically the most efficient and economically viable system g iving the highest maize grain yield (2 538 kg/ha), maize equivalent yield ( 3 295 kg/ha) and production efficiency (136.43%) compared with the sole cro ps of maize, wheat, mustard, lentil, gram and their different combinations. Mustard and wheat were found non-compatible with maize.