Effect of blackgram genotypes and nitrogen on productivity, profitability and resource-use efficiency in maize (Zea mays) + blackgram (Vigna mungo) intercropping system

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season (kharif) of 2017 at Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, to study the effect of blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] genotypes and nitrogen levels on the performance of maize (Zea mays L.) + blackgram intercropping system. The experiment consisting of 12 treatment combinations including 5 genotypes (‘Himachal Mash 1’, ‘DKU 118’, ‘DKU 82’, ‘DKU 98’ and ‘DKU 99’), 2 nitrogen levels (50% and 100% recommended dose of nitrogen) and 2 sole crops (maize and blackgram) was conducted under randomized block design with three replications. Maize + ‘Himachal Mash 1’ blackgram genotype with 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) exhibited significantly higher maize equivalent yield (5.04 t/ha), production efficiency (38.7 kg/ha/day), rainfall-use efficiency (2.15 kg/ha-mm), net returns (84,444/ha), benefit: cost ratio (3.2) and monetary efficiency (650/ha/day). While these attributes were lowest with maize + ‘DKU 118’ intercropping system with 50% RDN. As sole crops, blackgram recorded significantly higher maize equivalent yield, production efficiency, rainfall-use efficiency, net returns and benefit: cost ratio over maize. Maize + ‘Himachal Mash 1’ intercropping system with 100% RDN proved to be more productive and profitable treatment under mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh.