Optimizing Planting Times for Sugarcane-maize Intercropping Systems to Maximize Productivity and Economic Returns

Abstract

Aims: To determine the optimum relative planting time for intercropping sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) that minimises interspecific competition and maximises yield, land-use efficiency, and economic returns. Study Design: A randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was used. Nine treatments (T0 to T8) included staggered planting dates for sugarcane and maize, as well as sole sugarcane and sole maize. Place and Duration: The experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Sugarcrop Research Institute (BSRI) farm from November 2024 to December 2025. Methodology: Sugarcane and maize were planted in unit plots measuring 7 m × 6 m. A row spacing of 100 cm and a plant spacing of 15 cm were maintained. Maize was planted in a single continuous row between two sugarcane rows. Recommended fertiliser doses were applied to the crops. Data on cane height, stalk girth, number of millable canes, Brix%, maize grain yield, sugarcane yield, Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), Sugarcane Equivalent Yield (SEY), and cost-return indices were recorded and analysed statistically. Results: Planting time significantly (p < 0.001–0.01) affected all parameters except Brix%. The maximum cane height (3.20 m) and cane yield (87.56 t ha⁻¹) were obtained in T0 (sole sugarcane). Sole maize (T8) produced the highest maize yield (11.47 t ha⁻¹). Among the intercropping treatments, the highest maize yield (7.30 t ha⁻¹) was observed in T5 (maize + sugarcane at 20 DAS of maize). All intercropping treatments had LER values > 1.00, with T5 recording the highest value (1.38). T5 also produced the highest net return (TK 327,495.83 ha⁻¹) and a BCR of 2.08, similar to T0, while providing an additional net profit of TK 42,952.91 ha⁻¹ over T0. Conclusion: Synchronising sugarcane planting with maize sown 20 days earlier (T5) optimised time-differentiated resource sharing, resulting in high land-use efficiency and the greatest economic return among the intercropping treatments evaluated.