Evaluation of Maize and Soybean as A Sole and Intercrop Under Various Planting Geometries

Soil fertility and sustainability is intensively affected by monocropping system of maize in Pakistan. The maize-legume intercropping with suitable planting geometry can be an appropriate strategy that can improve sustainable soil fertility. Keeping in view the above facts, a field experiment was conducted at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad during Autumn season 2023-24 under the following treatments i.e. two Planting Geometries: G1 = 60 cm apart ridge plantation, G2 = 75 cm apart ridge plantation with three Planting Techniques: T1 = Sole maize, T2 = Sole soybean, T3 = Maize-soybean Intercropping. Randomized complete block design with split plot arrangements was used with three replications. All the agro-physiological parameters of both crops were assessed by adopting approved/standard procedures. Recorded data was analyzed statistically by using Fisher’s analysis of variance techniques and treatments means’ were compared by Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at 5% probability level. Results revealed that in case of maize, maximum grain yield, biological yield and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) were reported with T1 (Sole maize plantation), however minimum values for above mentioned parameters were reported with T3 (Maize soybean intercropping). Similarly, in case of soybean, maximum grain yield, biological yield and BCR were reported with T2 (Sole soybean plantation), however minimum values for these above mentioned parameters were reported with T3 (Maize soybean intercropping). Intercropping systems were assessed by Land Equivalent Ratio (LER). Results revealed that maximum value of LER (1.18) was recorded with G1T3 (60 cm apart ridge plantation of maize soybean intercropping), it was concluded that 75 cm apart sole maize plantation and 75cm apart ridge plantation of maize-soybean intercropping would be a feasible approach under the agro-ecological conditions of Faisalabad, Pakistan