Field studies conducted on maize-based cropping systems for rainfed and irrigated conditions showed that in rainfed areas, maize-wheat sequence gave the maximum production followed by maize-field pea. For irrigated conditions, maize (green cobs)-radish-onion gave maximum net return (Rs/ha 67,741) followed by maize (green cobs)-rice (transplanted)-cabbage (Rs/ha 33,066). Maize grown after field pea or lentil resulted in 7-8 q/ha more maize yield as compared to wheat or barley. Maize and wheat in sequential cropping under rainfed conditions responded significantly up to 90:60:40 and 40:20:0 kg NPK/ha, respectively. However, no residual effects due to NPK fertilizers applied to the previous crop was observed on the grain yield of either of the succeeding maize or wheat. Groundnut and soybean were found to be the most suitable intercrops for maize. Planting of an intercrop in space of 90 cm under paired rows of maize (30 cm) had higher LER and total production as compared to sole maize (60 cm apart). Inclusion of 1 row fingermillet in between 2 rows of normal spaced maize (60 cm) gave 7q/ha bonus yield of fingermillet. Paired rows of maize (30/90 cm) + 2 rows of soybean gave the highest total yield, maize equivalent yield and net returns. Soybean cv .NRCS 2 was found to be the most suitable for maize intercropping. Application of 100% additional fertilizers (NPK) to associated crops resulted in higher maize yield under maize + groundnutfblack gram intercropping. Alachlor (2.00 kr/ha), pendimethalin (1.25 kg/ha) or metolachlor (1.50 kg/ha) can be applied for the control of weeds in maize + soybean intercropping system. Relay cropping of potato or tomato can be successful in maize. Maize paired rows (40/80 cm) + 1 row potato/tomato within paired rows of maize and two rows of potato/tomato in between two paired rows of maize had the highest LER and total yield of the system.

English

0304|AGRIS 0301|AL-Maize Program|R01PROCE

Juan Carlos Mendieta

CIMMYT Publications Collection