A Sustainable Approach Toward Food Security: Investigating the Effect of Intercropping on Soil Rhizospheric Activity, Weed Flora and Yield Attributes of Maize (Zea mays)

Maize is one of the staple food crops after wheat and rice crops. There is a reduction in the yield of maize due to biotic and abiotic factors. Due to more spacing in maize weeds are highly infested in the field which leads to reduced fertility of soil and sustainability. To maintain the fertility of soil and reduce the wastage of resources intercropping is the best option. By growing crops in between the rows of maize crops we can increase production and can achieve zero hunger. A field experiment was conducted at Lovely Professional University (Kharif 2022) to check the effect of black gram and French bean as intercrop in maize on weed flora, rhizospheric bacterial count, and yield parameters of maize. The experiment comprised 9 treatments i.e. Sole maize, Sole French bean and Sole black gram, Maize + French bean (1:1, 1:2, 1:3), Maize + black gram (1:1, 1:2, 1:3). Weed density and biomass recorded by quadrant 1 m2 method at 30 and 60 DAS (Days after sowing). Results of the study showed that minimum weed count of grasses (3.44, 3.26), sedges (3.13, 2.73), and BLW (Broad leaf weed) (3.26, 4.58) at 30 and 60 DAS recorded in those plots where intercropping of maize and black gram practiced in 1:3 proportion. Rhizospheric bacterial count viz. THB (total heterotrophic bacteria) (232.82), NRB (nitrate-reducing bacteria) (41.89), and NB (nitrifying bacteria) (161.86) were recorded highest in Maize + French bean 1:3 at 30 DAS. Whereas THB, NRB, and PSB (phosphate solubilizing bacteria) highest count recorded in Maize + Black gram 1:3 at 90 DAS. In the case of maize yield attributes maize + Black gram 1:2 gave the best result. Land Equivalent ratio and Maize Equivalent yield (2.23, 11671.03 kg.ha-1) were recorded maximum in those plots where Maize + Black gram 1:2 proportion was practiced. Intercropping can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to herbicides to reduce the weed population and infestation, which leads to maintaining soil fertility and enhancing sustainability.