Evaluation of Yield and Forage Quality in Intercropping of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

To study the growth and development of maize and mungbean in sole and intercropping systems, an experiment using replacement technique was conducted. Different planting ratios of intercropping in five levels (sole maize, sole mungbean, 25% maize + 75% mungbean, 50% maize + 50% mungbean, 75% maize + 25% mungbean) and three varieties of maize (KSC 260, KSC 301, KSC 302) arranged in a split plot experiment in the form of RCBD with three replications at the Research Farm of Agriculture Center of Zabol University (Iran) in 2011. Varieties of maize were assigned to main plots and planting ratios of intercropping were assigned to sub plots. The results showed that the maximum of forage yield was obtained at 75% maize + 25% mungbean intercropping. Quality of forage in the intercropping was higher than sole maize. The highest of DMD was obtained in 25% maize + 75% mungbean but no significant difference with 50% maize + 50% mungbean. Forage ADF at intercropping was lower than sole maize. The highest LER was detected in planting ratio of 75% maize + 25% mungbean with LER=1.42. The highest of forage yield was obtained in KSC 302 (15706.4 kg/ha). The results also showed that intercropping had the highest quantity and quality forage yield and the best planting ratio for forage was 75% maize + 25% mungbean compared to sole maize and sole mungbean.