This study evaluated the land-use efficiency of sweet corn–cowpea intercropping, influenced by planting dates and fertilizer application methods, in Tupi, South Cotabato, Philippines, from March to June 2025. Using a randomized complete block design with factorial treatments, the study assessed growth and yield parameters of sweet corn and cowpea across varying planting intervals and fertilizer regimes. Results demonstrated that sweet corn maintained robust vegetative growth across treatments. Still, its yield and marketable ear weight were maximized when cowpea was planted 21 days after sweet corn, with two-band fertilizer yielding the highest land equivalent ratio (LER) and area time equivalent ratio (ATER), thereby maximizing land-use efficiency (LUE). Cowpea yield performance was similarly enhanced in later plantings and with two-band fertilization, confirming that delayed cowpea introduction alleviates resource competition and improves productivity. The study recommends strategic timing of cowpea planting and two-band fertilizer application to optimize yield and efficiency, suggesting these practices can sustainably intensify sweet corn–cowpea intercropping systems while increasing farmers’ returns by choosing planting schedules and fertilizer‑placement methods that synchronize nutrient supply with crop demand, as most treatments generated more than double the value of every peso invested. These findings underscore the importance of adaptive management and targeted extension services to support resilient, high-yielding intercropping systems in diverse agroecological conditions.
