EFFECT OF MAIZE (ZEA-MAYS)-LEGUME INTERCROPPING SYSTEMS ON NITROGEN ECONOMY AND NUTRIENT STATUS OF SOIL

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy seasons of 1983 and 1984 on maize (Zca mays L.)- legume intercropping systems in clay-loam soils of Jabalpur. Introduction of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.) as an intercrop in maize could save 30-60 kg N/ha. Intercropping soybean and greengram (Phascolus radiatus L.) in maize showed a little improvement in the N status of the soil, but there was slight reduction in P and K contents. Nitrogen fertilization to maize in the intercropping. systems did not affect the residual N, P and K contents of the soil.