Nutrient requirement ofwinter maize (Zea mays) - based intercropping systems

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out to study the response of various winter maize-based intercropping system to different fertility levels on the sandy loam soil of New Delhi. Maize sole gave the highest yield of maize, whereas intercropping of spinach and radish in winter maize significantly decreased the yield ofmaize. The alternate row planting of maize and spinach was found most productive (maize equivalents 9.72 tonnes/ha) and profitable (net return! rupee invested Rs 3.12 system. Fertility levels also influenced the growth and yield of maize significantly. Productivity of spinach and radish were also improved with the increasing fertilizer doses. The highest total productivity ofintercropping system was tbund when recomended dose of fertilizers were applied to both ulaize and intercrop. However, net return rupee invested was maximum with the application of 75% of recomended dose of fertilizers to maize and intercrop.The residual contents of organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium did not vary due to different cropping systems. However, the highest residual contents of organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potasium were observed when the recon1mended dose of fertilizers was applied to both maize and intercrop.