Vol. 11, Issue 10 (2022)

Author(s):
Parshotam Kumar Sharma, AS Bali and BC Sharma

Abstract:
A field experiment was conducted to work out yield and nutrient uptake of kharif maize crop influenced by different winter maize based intercropping systems and fertility levels. The trial was laid out in split-plot design after the harvest of all intercropping systems in preceding maize (Zea mays L.) crop fertilized through organic as well as inorganic sources during the rabi season of 2007-08 and 2008-09. Although, Maize equivalent yield in rabi season was maximum in maize + peas intercropping system but significantly higher yield attributes, mean grain yield of 39.38 q ha-1 and stover yield of 113.51 q ha-1 in kharif maize were recorded after sole peas followed by sole maize but statistically at par with maize + peas, maize + lentil intercropping systems and sole lentil. The grain and stover yield was found significant at 100% recommended dose + 12.5% through F.Y.M +12.5% through vermi-compost. The nutrient uptake by grain and stover of succeeding maize crop was significantly influenced by intercropping systems. Significantly higher NPK uptake was observed in sole peas which were statistically at par with sole lentil, maize + peas and maize + lentil intercropping systems. Among fertility levels, significantly higher nutrient uptake were recorded at 100% recommended dose + 12.5% through F.Y.M +12.5% through vermi-compost as compared to 75% recommended dose. An increasing trend of N, P and K uptake was found. The gross return, net return and benefit cost ratio were also registered higher values in maize + peas intercropping system along with fertility levels of 100% recommended dose + 12.5% through F.Y.M +12.5% through vermi-compost.