Productivity and seed quality of maize (Zea mays L.) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) grown as monocrop and as intercrop in low and high external input systems

The leaf area index (LAI), crop biomass and grain of corn under LEI [low external inputs] were significantly lower than the crop under HEI [high external inputs] in the dry season but not in the wet season cropping. Corn yield was 1.9 t/ha in LEI and 2.5 t/ha in HEI in the dry season and 3.8 t/ha in both inputs in the wet season. In terms of cropping systems, crop yield per plant in single row pattern was generally higher than those in double row and in pure culture. Peanut LAI, crop biomass and pod yield were unaffected by inputs in both cropping seasons. Total pod yield in LEI and HEI were 1.7 and 1.6 t/ha, respectively in the dry season and 3.7 and 3.3 t/ha, respectively in the wet season. Monocrop yields were higher than the intercrops in the two cropping seasons. Peanut in 1:1 and 2:2 row patterns had the same yields. The fat and protein contents, viability, vigor and storability of corn seeds were not affected by inputs. Fat content in LEI-derived peanut seeds was significantly higher than HEI's while protein content was unaffected by inputs. The input levels had no effect on the protein content. Seed germinability and vigor were not influenced by input levels but were significantly affected by cropping systems. Seed derived from 1:1 row scheme was observed to be unfit for seed purposes due to very low germination (68 percent) and vigor. Accelerated aging test did not affect the germinability and vigor of corn seeds but substantially lowered the quality of peanut seeds derived from the different production alternatives. The productivity of intercropping corn and peanut was higher than monocropping in terms of land equivalent ratio carbohydrates and caloric equivalents of crop yields. The intercrops in 2:2 row pattern were more productive than in 1:1 row scheme. High net returns were obtained when crop yields were valued as seed. Intercropping gave higher returns than monocropping. The growth and yield of peanut and corn seeds produced under LEI and HEI were similar. For low cash capital small scale farms the use of LEI is more preferable to HEI