Production potential of forage maize (Zea mays) with legumes under intercropping system

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season (kharif) of 1998 and 1999 to evaluate the production potential and economic feasibility of maize (Zea mays L.) + legumes intercropping systems. The highest green-forage and dry-matter yields as well as net returns were obtained when maize + cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] was sown in planting pattern of 5:2 and this planting pattern was statistically at par with 4:2 raw ratio during both the years. However, maize + clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.) in 3:3 row proportion recorded the maximum land-equivalent ratio over all other treatments.