Productivity potential and economics of maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) intercroping patterns under rainfed low hill or valley situation of Uttaranchal

A 3-year field study was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 1993–95 to evaluate different planting patterns of maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] intercropping. All the intercropping patterns were superior in terms of maize-equivalent yield and income-equivalent ratio (IER) values to sole crops. All the intercropping patterns except, 1 additional maize row after every 2 rows of soybean (1:2) also recorded higher monetary returns than sole crops. Among different intercropping patterns of maize and soybean, paired maize rows (either 30/90 or 45/90 cm)+2 rows of soybean gave the highest total yield, maize-equivalent yield, IER value, net return and benefit: cost ratio. The maximum value of relative net return (RNR) over sole maize was computed under paired maize rows (45/90cm)+2 rows of soybean.