The Effect of Maize (Zea mays L.) / Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Intercropping and Biofertilizer (Azotobacter) on Yield, Leaf Area Index and Land Equivalent Ratio

This study was conducted to determine the effects of the different intercropping design of maize/soybean compared with sole cropping, in combination with Vitormone (biofertilizer; Azotobacter) during 2012 and 2013. There were four different intercropping designs were used in the experiment: i) sole maize and soybean, ii) 1 maize + 1 soybean in alternate rows, iii) 1 maize + 2 soybeans in alternate rows and iv) 1 maize + 2 soybeans in intra rows under control with the Vitormone application. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with two factors and three replications. The results showed that the seed/grain yields and the Leaf area index of sole soybean and sole maize outperformed the intercropping. The highest yields for both maize (8.0 t ha-1) and soybean (3.26 t ha-1) and land equivalent ratio (1.26) were recorded at 1 maize + 2 soybeans in alternate rows among the intercropping. The effect of Vitormone was significantly positive for all cropping system except 1 maize + 1 soybean in alternate rows. This suggests that 1 maize + 2 soybeans in alternate rows can intercrop and combine with the Vitormone. The intercropping of cereal/legume has the potential to improve the utilization of resources in monocropped lands.