MAIZE-LENTIL INTERCROPPING SYSTEM UNDER DIFFERENT ROW ARRANGEMENT AND NITROGEN LEVELS

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy field of Sher-c-Bangla Agricultural University. Dhaka during November 2007 to April 2008 to study the maize-lentil intereropping system under different row arrangements and nitrogen levels. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The treatment variables were T 1 = Sole maize normal row (MNR) with 120 kg N/ha, 1 2 :: Maize paired row (MPR) with 120kg N/ha 1 3 = MNR + 2 lentil rows with 120kg N/ha, T., = MNR 1 2 lentil rows with 60kg N/ ha, 15 = MPR + 5 lentil rows with 120 kg N/ha, T 6 = MPR + 5 lentil rows with 60 kg N/ha. T 7 sole lentil with 20 kg N/ha. In all the treatments, the recommended plant population of maize (55,555 plants/ha) was maintained. The grain yield of maize has been reduced by 9.45-28.60% when it was intercropped with lentil. Two maize paired rows accommodated with five lentil rows gave highest maize equivalent yield (6591 kg/ha), combined yield (5695 kg/ha), net return (149630 1k/ha), monetary advantages (2650 Tk!ha), IER (1.87) and 8CR (4.40) which ultimately compensated the yield loss of maize as main crop. This finding was helpful in other way to cultivate lentil in the main field to increase its area for improvement of per capita intake of pulse for Bangladeshi people as well as cropping intensity.