Economics of Different Intercropping Systems of Maize under Mycorrhizal Inoculation and Different Fertilizer Levels

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the economics of different intercropping systems of maize under mycorrhizal inoculation and different fertilizer levels at Eastern Block Farm, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during the winter season in 2011 and 2012. The experiments were laid out in split-split plot design with three factors. In main plots viz., intercropping systems [sole maize (I1), maize+cowpea (I2), maize+greengram (I3)]. Two mycorrhizal treatments viz., no mycorrhizal inoculation (control) (M-) and inoculation of mycorrhiza (M+) were included under sub plot. Three fertilizer levels viz., 75% RDF (F1), 100% RDF (F2), and 125% RDF (F3) under sub-sub plot. Data regarding net field benefit, benefit cost ratio, dominance analysis, and marginal rate of return were collected. The experimental results showed that maximum Net Field Benefits of Rs. 1,25,990 during 2011 and Rs. 1,14, 215 during 2012 were recorded in maize +cowpea intercropping system along with mycorrhizal inoculation and 100% RDF (I2F2M+), respectively. While the maximum benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 3.45 and 2.74 was found in maize +cowpea intercropping system along with 100% RDF and with mycorrhizal inoculation (I2F2M+) during the year 2011 and 2012, respectively. Dominance analysis of maize intercropped with green gram along with mycorrhizal inoculation and different fertilizer levels at 75% RDF, 100%RDF and 125% RDF, respectively were dominated dominated due to their lower net field benefits as compared to other treatments, while maximum marginal rate of return (8911%) was obtained by sole maize without mycorrhizal inoculation and fertilizer level of 75% RDF (I1F1M+) during 2011. In 2012, maize intercropped with greengram without mycorrhizal inoculation and fertilizer level at the rate of 100% RDF recorded maximum marginal rate of returns (6167%) than other treatments.