Abstract
Weeds are a serious problem farmer’s face in tropical Africa, which significantly reduces yield. Field trials were conducted from September 2013 to September 2014 to determine the appropriate relative time of planting of legumes in cassava cropping system for optimum weed suppression. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Treatments consisted of combinations of three relative times of planting for each of the three legumes (cowpea, soybean, and groundnut). One sole crop each of the legumes and cassava was added for comparison. The results indicated that early introduction of the legume (intercrop) into the cassava showed efficient weed control. The late introduction of the legume (intercrop) into the cassava decreased cassava yield whilst early introduction of the legume into the cassava increased cassava yield. Results from the study also revealed that the relative time of planting did not show any significant difference among the legume grain yield. However, late introduction of the cassava into the intercrop resulted in the highest grain yield. Key words: Weeds, cassava, legumes, cropping system, relative planting times.
Highlights
Intercropping is the cultivation of two or more crops at the same time on the same piece of land (Sullivan, 2003)
The dry weight of weeds was significantly high with sole cassava than any other treatment
It was evident that early introduction of the legumes with component crop showed efficient weed control for the relative time of planting
Summary
Intercropping is the cultivation of two or more crops at the same time on the same piece of land (Sullivan, 2003). The desire to intercrop is increasing because it increases the productivity of a piece of land (Chapagain and Riseman, 2014). Intercropping provides insurance against crop failure or against unstable market prices for a given commodity, especially in areas subject to extreme weather conditions such as drought and flood. It offers greater financial stability than sole cropping which makes the system suitable for labour-intensive small farms (Fortin and Pierce, 1996). Intercropping allows lower inputs through reduced fertilizer and pesticide requirements, minimizing environmental impacts of agriculture
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