Effects of Different Maize ( Zea mays L .) – Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Intercropping Patterns on Yields and its Economics

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted for two seasons to evaluate the effects of different maize and soybean intercropping patterns on its yields and economics at Embu and Meru Counties, Kenya. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The treatments were four maize (M)–soybean (S) intercropping patterns (conventional=1M:1S; MBILI-MBILI=2M:2S; 2M:4S; 2M:6S) and two sole crops of maize and soybean, respectively. The results showed that in both sitesduring the both seasons the MBILI treatment produced significantly higher stover and grain yields than all other treatments. At Embu site during the both seasons, the MBILI treatment was more profitable. At Kamujine site during the 2012 LR maize sole crop was the most profitable; whereas during 2012 SR the MBILI treatment was the most profitable.