Productivity and energy efficiency indices of diversified maize (Zea mays)-based cropping systems for mid hills of Himachal Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during 2010–2011 to 2013–14 at Palampur, Himachal Pradesh to find out most productive and energy efficient diversified maize (Zea mays L.)-based cropping systems. The maximum maize grain equivalent yield was recorded in maize (green cob)+asparagus bean (Vigna unguiculata L.)-radish (Raphanus sativus L.)-onion (Allium cepa L.) (38.8 t/ha) followed by maize (green cob) + french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)-pea (Pisum sativum L.)-Summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) (28.1 t/ha) and maize (Green cob)-broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.)-potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) (25.6 t/ha). The highest total energy input was recorded in maize (green cob)-broccoli-Potato (57.03 × 10³ MJ/ha) followed by maize (green cob) + asparagus bean-radish-onion (49.64 × 10³ MJ/ha) and maize (Green cob) + asparagus bean-broccoli-radish (43.95 × 10³ MJ/ha). The highest energy input was added through fertilizers (46.5% to 60.4%) followed by FYM (16.4–24.9%) and seed (1.4% to 22.9%). The highest energy output was recorded in maize (green cob) + french bean-pea-summer squash (454.0 × 10³ MJ/ha) and maize (green cob)-broccoli-potato (376.6 × 10³ MJ/ha). The energy productivity was also higher in maize (green cob)+french bean-pea-summer squash (0.8 kg/MJ) and maize+asparagus bean-radish-onion (0.8 kg/MJ). The energy use efficiency was at par in maize + french bean-pea-summer squash (12.2 MJ/ha) and maize-wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.) cropping system (12.9 MJ/ha), however, specific energy was the highest in maize-wheat (3.8 MJ/kg) followed by maize (green cob) + rice bean (Vigna umbellate)-cauliflower(Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)-buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) (2.7 MJ/kg) cropping system.