Yield indices and economics of maize as influenced by maize-based intercropping system in southern dry zone of Karnataka

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2013 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, VC Farm, Mandya to study the yield indices and economics of maize as influenced by maize-based intercropping system. Treatments consisted of sole crops and different row proportions of maize + intercrops (pigeonpea, soybean and field bean). Significantly higher maize equivalent yield (9863 kg/ha), land equivalent ratio (1.85), area time equivalent ratio (1.49), net returns (Rs 102371/ha) and B:C ratio (4.37) were recorded with paired row maize intercropped with pigeonpea at 45/75 cm spacing as compared to sole maize. Though intercropping resulted in significant reduction in the yield of sole crops it was better compensated by component crops in terms of total yield and income.