Effects of Planting Time and Fertilizer Application on the Productivity of Intercropped Cowpea and Maize in a Sub-humid Zone

Abstract

The effects, on the performance of intercropped maize (Zea mays L.) And cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) (Walp.) of varying the planting time of cowpea after maize, varying the planting date of simultaneous maize-cowpea intercropping, and applying fertilizer to the intercrop were studied in two field experiments in Njala (7 6' N, 12 5' W 55 m a.s.l.) Two cowpea cultivars were used, a local erect and determinate cultivar (Temne Local), and an improved semi-determinate cultivar (Tvu 1190), both of which are widely grown in Sierra Leone. Growth and yield of cowpea were strongly influenced by intercropping. Cowpea seed yield was significantly (P