Productivity of different patterns for maize and forage millet intercropping under periodical cutting systems

Abstract

Abstract: A two year study was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Alexandria University, Egypt to investigate the productivity of maize and forage millet sown in different intercropping patterns, i.e, Rep 4:2 (four ridges of maize alternating with two ridges of millet), Rep 2:1 (two ridges of maize alternating with 1 ridge of millet), Add 1 (sowing of millet on the other side of the third and sixth ridges of maize) and Add 2 (sowing millet on the other side of the fifth, sixth, eleventh and twelfth ridges of maize). Forage millet was cut at three different periodical cutting systems, i.e, C1: 40-40-40, C2: 45-30-45 and C3: 45-45-30 days. The experimental design was split plot where intercropping patterns occupied the main plots and periodical cutting systems were allocated to the sub plots. Additive intercropping patterns (Add 1 and Add 2) had taller maize plants, yielded more grain yield and harvest index than replacement intercropping patterns (Rep 4:2 and Rep 2:1). Average grain yield reached 6.31, 6.13, 5.71 and 5.98 t/ha for the four intercropping patterns, respectively. Periodical cutting systems varied significantly in grain yield of maize where C1 yielded 6.35 t/ha, compared to C2 (5.95 t/ha) and C3 (5.78 t/ha) as an average of the two seasons. Association of maize and millet in additive patterns significantly reduced forage production compared to replacement patterns. Average total fresh weight of forage recorded 13.23, 11.30, 5.22 and 5.53 t/ha for Rep 4:2, Rep 2:1, Add 1 and Add 2 patterns, respectively. The total fresh forage weight reached 8.51, 7.84 and 10.11 t/ha for C1, C2 and C3, respectively. The dry matter equivalent ratio indicated a slight increase in total dry matter production, for the additive compared to replacement intercropping patterns.