Corn-dry bean intercropping maximizes land utilization and profit
2001
Miguel, V.I. | Sunio, E.F. (Department of Agriculture, Minanga Norte, Iguig, Cagayan (Philippines). Cagayan Valley Lowland and Marine Research and Outreach Station)
The technical and economic viability of corn (Zea mays) and dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercrop combination were in the upland areas of Sto. Nino, Cagayan Valley [Philippines]. Findings showed that dry bean grew well in dry climate and well-drained soils. Thus, it is best planted as an intercrop with corn from November to January, the dry season in Cagayan Valley. The corn-dry bean intercropping system involved planting both crops on the same day following the 1:2 row ratio (1 row corn and 2 rows dry bean). One to two corn seeds were planted per hill at a distance of 20 cm between hills. Dry bean seeds were drilled along designated furrows at 17.20 seeds per linear meter. A hectare of land required 9 kg corn and 32 kg small-seeded or 60 kg large-seeded dry beans. The local cultural management practices and care for the plants were followed. Dry beans were harvested 70-80 days after planting (DAP), and corn was harvested 100 DAP. Corn monocrop gave an average yield of 3221 kg/ha for two cropping seasons (1998-2000). In the corn-dry bean intercrop, corn gave an average yield of 2538 kg/ha and dry bean gave an average yield of 628 kg/ha. Despite lower corn yields in the corn-dry bean intercropping system, the comparative cost and return analysis showed that corn-dry bean intercrop was more profitable than the corn monocrop as indicated by the marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) of 5.92. The MBCR value means that for every peso invested by a farmer on corn-dry bean intercropping system, a return of P5.92 or a net benefit of P4.92 will be obtained
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