Effect of moisture-conservation practices on productivity and water use in maize (Zea mays)-based intercropping systems under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was carried out during the rainy season (kharif) of 2001 and 2002 to study the relative moisture utilization by maize (Zea mays L.) grown in a mixed or in a sole situation. The maize equivalent was higher in maize paired row (40/80 cm) + 2 rows of mungbean (Phaseolus radiatus L.) than the sole maize crop. An increase in water-use efficiency (WUE) was observed in intercropping systems. The water-use efficiency was the highest (10.14 maize equivalent use/ha/mm) in maize paried row (40/80 cm) + 2 rows of mungbean. Growth, yield attributes and yield as well as maize equivalent were significantly improved with farmyard manure (FYM) + dust mulch + straw mulch treatment over no mulch. Among the moisture-conservation practices, higher WUE was recorded under FYM+dust mulch + straw mulch, closely followed by Kaolin + dust mulch + straw mulch.