Verification of Maize-Haricot Bean Intercropping Patterns for Crop Productivity and Soil Fertility Improvement in Sibu Sire District, Western Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Maize-haricot bean intercropping is one of the best agronomic practices in Ethiopia in general and at study area particularly. This trial in Sibu Sire district was aimed to verify maize-haricot bean intercropping pattern. The treatments were Control/without intercropping (C); Farmers practiced intercropping pattern (FPIP) and Research based intercropping pattern (RBIP). The trial was conducted in the year 2024 main cropping season on purposively selected farmers’ fields across the district. The treatments were replicated 3 times with RCBD design. Soil test based inorganic fertilizer rate was used. Soil and agronomic data were collected and analyzed. Yields and yields related parameters of maize and haricot bean were collected and analyzed. Except Plant heights, all other collected intercropped haricot bean parameters were significantly influenced by the treatments while the maize was not. Intercropping of Ibado bean variety planted during maize planting at two sides of maize rows could increases biomass and grain yields of haricot bean by about 40.59 and 48.56%, respectively compared to farmers practiced intercropping. It also resulted the highest net income (187081 birr /ha), LER (1.58) and LEC (0.63) from the former study during technology generation. Therefore, it should be recommended for farmers in the study area and similar agroecology.