Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Rates and Mung Bean Intercropping on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet in the Dryland Areas of Waghemra Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Field experiments were conducted during the 2023 and 2024 main cropping seasons at farmers’ fields in Sekota and Aberegele districts to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates and pearl millet–mung bean intercropping systems on the productivity and economic returns of pearl millet. The treatments consisted of a 3 × 4 factorial combination of three N rates (21, 42, and 63 kg N ha −1 ) and four row intercropping ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:1, and 2:2), arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Sole pearl millet and sole mung bean plots were included as control treatments. Results showed that most yield and yield‐related parameters of pearl millet were significantly influenced by the main effects of N rate and intercropping arrangement. The highest grain yield (1266.95 kg ha −1 ), 1000‐grain weight (6.16 g), head weight (26.46 g), and harvest index (HI) (41%) were obtained at 42 kg N ha −1 , indicating the agronomic maximum. Among intercropping treatments, the 1:2 pearl millet–mung bean row ratio produced the highest grain yield (1070.83 kg ha −1 ), 1000‐grain weight (6.05 g), head weight (24.06 g), and HI (37%). Economic analysis revealed that the highest net benefit (NB) (133,075.91 Birr ha −1 ) and marginal rate of return (MRR) (1562.54%) were achieved from the combination of 42 kg N ha −1 and the 1:2 intercropping ratio, representing the economic optimum. Under the specific agro‐ecological and management conditions of the Sekota and Aberegele districts, the application of 42 kg N ha −1 combined with a 1:2 pearl millet–mung bean intercropping arrangement can be considered an efficient and economically feasible production option. However, the recommendation should be limited to conditions similar to those of the present study.