Agroeconomic evalution of mixed and single cropping system using cowpea and corn

Abstract

In order to study the financial and economic returns and the stability of grain prodution in the multicropping system using cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) and corn Zea mays (L.), several agroeconomic indicators were estimated. Crop yields were affected by planting densities, both in the single and mixed cropping systems. The results of the analysis indicated two alternatives of multicropping with higher returns with production stabilities: the treatment with 10,000 plants/ha of the IPA 201 cowpea x 30.000 plants/ha of corn in the ecological region of Parnamirim; and, the tratment with 12,500 plants/ha of the IPA 202 cowpea x 37,500 plants/ha of corn in the environmental conditions of Serra Talhada. Among the agroeconomic indicators, the marginal net return (RLMa) and the marginal production costs (CMaP) were shown to be the most efficient in the evalution of the multicropping agroecosystem in relation to the single cropping from the financial and economic point of view.