Optimizing crop yield in maize-kalmegh intercropping systems through integrated nutrient management

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2019 at the Soil Conservation and Water Management Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The study aimed to Optimizing Crop Yield in Maize-Kalmegh Intercropping Systems through Integrated Nutrient Management. The experiment involved five cropping systems: C1: Sole maize with 60 cm row spacing, C2: Sole kalmegh with 40 cm row spacing, C3: Maize + Kalmegh in a 1:1 ratio (additive series), C4: Maize + Kalmegh in a 2:2 paired row (40:80 cm spacing), C5: Maize + Kalmegh in a 3:2 ratio (replacement series, 40:40 cm spacing) and these were tested alongside three INM treatments: I1: 100% nitrogen through inorganic fertilizers, I2: 50% nitrogen through inorganic + 50% through FYM (Farmyard Manure) and I3: 50% inorganic nitrogen + 25% FYM + 25% vermicompost. The experiment was laid out in a Split Plot Design with three replications, where cropping systems were assigned to main plots and INM treatments to subplots.The results highlighted that the C4 treatment (Maize + Kalmegh in 2:2 paired rows) outperformed all others, recording the highest maize grain yield (45.87 q/ha) and dry herbage yield of kalmegh (36.85 q/ha). This combination achieved a maize equivalent yield of 119.15 q/ha with the highest land equivalent ratio (LER) of 2.02. It also resulted in the highest net return of ₹181,611 and a benefit-cost ratio of 6.03. Among nutrient treatments, the I3 protocol (50% inorganic + 25% FYM + 25% vermicompost) significantly improved both crop yield and soil health. It enhanced the physical condition and fertility of the soil, contributing to superior performance across both sole and intercropping systems throughout the study.