Effect of Irrigation Methods, Nutrient Management and Intercropping System on Grain Yield, Maize Equivalent Yield, Protein Content and Economics of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

This study aims to determine Effect of Irrigation Methods, Nutrient Management and Intercropping System on Grain Yield, Maize Equivalent Yield, Protein Content and Economics of Maize (Zea mays L.). An experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020-21 at Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar). To study the effect of irrigation methods, nutrient management and intercropping system on grain yield, MEY, protein content and economics of maize (Zea mays L.). The growing of maize under drip irrigation recorded significantly higher grain yield (9.42 t/ha), MEY (11.67 t/ha), protein content (8.7%), gross returns (215942 ₹/ha), net returns (146679 ₹/ha) and B: C ratio (2.11) over furrow and surface irrigation. Application of nutrients as par STCR, recorded higher grain yield (9.24 t/ha), MEY (11.15 t/ha), protein content (8.57%), gross returns (206343 ₹/ha) and net returns (134893 ₹/ha) as compared to RDF and SSNM whereas, highest B: C ratio was noticed under RDF (1.94). Increment in grain yield (5.50 % and 12.14 %), MEY (18.16% and 18.84%), protein content (4.58 % and 7.87%), gross returns (15.85% and 15.37%), net returns (19.8% and 21.59%) and B: C ratio (13.10% and 19.41%) were observed under vegetable pea over lentil and rajmash intercropping respectively. Overall results revealed that irrigation applied through drip method, nutrient management through STCR and maize + vegetable pea intercropping system is a promising option for higher productivity, quality and profitability of maize.