Analysis of the Changes in Morphological Traits of Sorghum in Legume-Sorghum Intercropping Patterns in Western Kenya

Abstract

Cereal-legumes intercropping is among the most effective agronomic strategies to boot biomass production, contribute to soil nitrogen through fixation which benefits soil productivity and sustainability. The main objective of this study was to analyze the changes in morphological traits of sorghum in legume-sorghum intercropping patterns. The experiment was conducted at KALRO Kibos station, Kisumu during long and short rainy 2020 seasons. The experimental design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with eleven treatments replicated thrice. Data was collected on growth and yield parameters of sorghum, cowpea and soybean. Sorghum morphological traits measured were plant height, number of leaves and number of tillers, while yield data was measured on grain yield and yield components. In addition, data on competition indices was also determined using land equivalent ratio (LER) and area time equivalent ratio (ATER). Data collected was compiled and tabulated for statistical analysis using Microsoft excel software. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was carried out using R software version 4.2.2. Where means were significant, Tukey’s test ad hoc method was used separate treatment means at 95% probability level. The results showed that sorghum morphological traits differed significantly (P<0.001) in the two seasons as influenced by intercropping. The greatest plant height was recorded in sorghum in alternate holes with soybean across the four months, while the highest plant height of 226.3 cm and 219.70 cm was recorded in seasons one and two respectively in 120 Days after planting (DAP). Similar results were recorded in sorghum number of leaves and tillers. Yield data showed that means of number of harvested heads, weight of harvested heads, and grain weight were statistically significant at p<0.001. Sorghum in alternate rows with soybean registered the maximum number of harvested heads: 21.33 and 19.67 seasons one and two respectively. Similar results were obtained .....