Performance of maize and pigeonpea under different sowing dates and cropping systems

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons of 2010–11 and 2011–12 at Dharwad, Karnataka, to study the effect of sowing dates and cropping systems on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) and pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] under rainfed condition. Pooled data over 2 years indicated that, maize and pigeonpea sown during the first fortnight of June revealed significantly higher grain/seed yield compared to subsequent sowing dates except sowing during the second fortnight of June (7.06 and 1.15 t/ha respectively). Among the cropping systems, sole maize and pigeonpea gave significantly higher grain/seed yield (7.48 and 1.42 t/ha respectively) than the intercropping systems. Among the intercropping systems, maize + piegonpea system in (4: 2) row ratio recorded significantly higher maize grain-equivalent yield (9.04 t/ha) followed by maize + piegonpea in row (2: 2) ratio (8.48 t/ha). The later treatment resulted in higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio (₹ 56,787/ha and 3.17, respectively) than rest of the cropping systems. Among the interaction effects, intercropping of maize + pigeonpea in 4: 2 row ratio sown during the first fortnight of June recorded significantly higher maize-equivalent yield (10.23 t/ha), net returns (? 66,665/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.16) over other system.