The Efficiency of Maize and Common Bean Intercropping Using Economic, Competitive, and Biological Indices for a Sustainable Production

ABSTRACT Intercropping is an effective method for resource utilization that typically enhances crop yields compared with monoculture. This study was conducted using split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications over the 2022–2023 years. The main plot was designated for inoculation with Rhizobium phaseoli at two levels (inoculation and non‐inoculation), while the subplot was assigned to the maize‐bean intercropping ratio at five levels: 100% maize, 100% bean, 75% maize +25% bean (M75B25), 50% maize +50% bean (M50B50), and 25% maize +75% bean (M25B75). Total land equivalent ratio (LER) increased with a higher proportion of bean in intercropping, and the highest LER was achieved in the M25B75 ratio in both years. The monetary advantage index (MAI) was greater for M25B75 compared with the other two intercropping ratios. The average tester view of biplot revealed that the M25B75 intercropping ratio under inoculation conditions resulted in the most pronounced expression of the studied traits in both maize and bean. M25B75 was the most effective for enhancing maize and bean traits in both inoculation and non‐inoculation conditions. These results indicate that cultivating a combination of bean and maize with rhizobium bacteria inoculation can effectively enhance the yield of both crops.