Intercropping of maize (Zea mays L.) and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) at different plant population densities

In order to determine the best combination and efficiency of resource utilization in intercropping of maize (Zea mays) and faba bean (Vicia faba), a field experiment was conducted as factorial on the bases of randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were intercropped combinations of maize densities (6, 7 and 8 plant/m(2)) and faba bean densities (30, 40 and 50 plant/m(2)) and 6 sole-cropped treatments. Two species were intercropped as additive series. The biological and grain yields of maize and faba bean were significantly affected by maize and faba bean densities. Maximum land equivalent ratio (1.97) was attained by 6 maize plants/m(2) with 40 and 50 plants/m(2) of faba bean intercropping combinations indicating that the area on which monocultures were planted would need to be 97% greater than the area allotted to the intercrop for the two produced the same combined grain yield. The highest standard land equivalent ratio (LERs) produced by intercropping of 8 maize plants with 50 faba bean plants/m2. Maximum RVT (1.31) was obtained in maize and faba bean intercropping with 8 maize and 50 faba bean plants/m(2). Whereas, intercropping monetary advantage in comparison with mono cropping was 30%. The combination of 8 maize and 50 faba bean plants/m(2) showed the highest profitability and could be introduced as best intercropping system.