Abstract
The profitability of producing yam (Disocorea rotundata Poir.) with 0-5000 stakes ha-1 when intercropped with maize in a high rainfall area in Nigeria was examined. Yam and maize populations used were 10 000 and 20 000 plants ha-1, respectively. Tuber yield and weight tuber -1 decreased with lesser numbers of stakes ha-1. No changes occurred in maize grain and stover yields or in height and girth plant-1. Production cost was highest with 5000 stakes ha-1 and lowest in unstaked yams. Cost of staking decreased with fewer stakes ha-1, being 27, 17 and 13% of total production cost with 500, 2500 and 1666 stakes ha-1, respectively. Trailing six stands stake-1, gave the best net return (48%) in sole yam but two stands stake-1 gave the best (22.4%) in intercropped yam, making the best net cash return in sole-cropped yam twice as profitable as a yam/maize mixture. The results are discussed in relation to their practical uses.
