Influence of precision nitrogen management in Rabi maize and cow pea intercropping system under varied planting proportions in south Odisha

Maize has diverse adaptability under varied agroclimatic conditions that play a pivotal in fulfilling food and feed demand. Maize is sown in wide lines and it shows a sluggish growth at its initial stages facilitating the cultivation of intercrops in between the rows. Among several legumes, cowpea has potential as a grain and fodder, grown as intercrop in maize. There is a need for precise application of nutrients, especially nitrogen (N) in maize cultivation. Considering the above, the current study was carried out during the Rabi season of 2023-2024 at the Post Graduate Research Farm of the Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India. A field trial was laid out in a split-plot design consisting of three intercropping ratios in the main plot and four nitrogen management treatments in the sub-plot. The study revealed that the highest growth attributes, yield parameters and yield of maize were recorded in sole maize and it was followed by maize + cowpea (2:2). However, for N management, the highest growth parameters, yield attributes and yield were noted in GreenSeeker-based treatment and it remained statistically at par with soil plant analysis development (SPAD) threshold-based N application. Among the intercropping systems, the highest values of land equivalent ratio (1.41) and area time equivalent ratio (1.37) were recorded in maize + cowpea (2:3) followed by maize + cowpea (2:2). It may be concluded that sole maize with N management through GreenSeeker can achieve higher maize yields. However, considering the LER, ATER and other competition functions, maize + cowpea (2:2) and N application through GreenSeeker can be the most suitable agronomic option under south Odisha.