Abstract

Bezabih Woldekiros*

In places with significant climate variability and resource poor agricultural conditions, intercropping can be an effective approach for sustainable and efficient crop production to improve food security. The field experiments was conducted in 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons under rain fed condition in Hulbareg district of Siltie zone to evaluate common bean varieties for simultaneous and relay intercropping. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Hawassa dume, Remeda, Lalo and Wajo common bean varieties were grown in sole and intercropping with BH-546 maize variety during Belg and Meher cropping seasons. The grain yield of common bean varieties were significantly varied in sole and intercrop in both cropping seasons. Higher grain yield was recorded when common bean varieties were grown during Belg season both in sole and intercrop. Maize grain yield was not significantly affected as intercropped with common bean varieties. All common bean varieties simultaneous and relay intercropped with maize showed yield advantage over sole cropping. Hence, simultaneous and relay intercropping of maize with common bean is recommended in areas where there is land shortage with no labor shortage.