Sole Maize Research Articles

Quality properties of sunn hemp (<i>Crotalaria juncea</i> L.) and maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) silages

Maize is an ideal forage crop for ensilage because of its high levels of fermentable carbohydrates, although it is low in protein. Sunn hemp is a legume with a high crude protein content with potential to be used in combination with maize to provide a silage with a higher protein content. Different percentages of sunn hemp-maize mixtures of 80-20, 60-40, 40-60 and 20-80 respectively were compared to silages of sole maize and sunn hemp. In the laboratory study, DLG classifications (color, smell, structure, total score and quality class), silage loss (%), silage pH, dry matter content, flieg score, crude protein content, crude ash content, NDF, ADF, metabolic energy (MJ kg-1 DM), dry matter intake, percent digestible dry matter and relative feed value were determined at the end of 60 days ensilage. The crude protein contents of silages increased as the sunn hemp ratio in the mixtures increased. In addition, pure sunn hemp silage and mixtures, especially 80% sunn hemp mixed with 20% maize, were found suitable for silage and it was concluded that sunn hemp and sunn hemp-maize silage mixtures could be used in animal husbandry.

Canopy heterogeneity with border-row proportion affects light interception and use efficiency in maize/peanut strip intercropping

• Different border-row proportions (BRP) in maize/peanut intercropping were compared to mono crops. • Increasing BRP increased light interception (LI) of maize in the intercropping but not for light use efficiency (LUE). • Increasing BRP decreased LI but increased LUE of peanut in the intercropping. • LUE of both crops increased with leaf area index and decreased with light intensity. Intercropping usually plants two or more crop species, often with different canopy architectures by row configuration, creates spatial niche differentiation, changes light distribution and affects radiation utilization and yield. In this study, we investigated how row configuration (e.g. the proportion of border rows) affected light interception (LI) and light use efficiency (LUE) in maize ( Zea mays L.)/ peanut ( Arachis hypogaea Linn.) strip intercropping. Field experiments were carried out for two years in 2015 and 2016. Four intercropping treatments were set as M2P2 (two rows maize and two rows peanut), M4P4, M6P6 and M8P8, with border-row proportion (BRP) of 1, 0.5, 0.33 and 0.25 under an equal land use proportion (0.5 for each crop). Two monocultures, sole maize and sole peanut (with BRP of 0), were set as controls. The LI was estimated by a light interception model developed for strip intercropping. Both light capture and light use efficiency of intercropped crops were significantly affected by strip width. The LI of intercropped high-stalk maize was 23.4 % higher while LI of shaded peanut was 32.2 % lower than the control. The LI of intercropped maize increased with the increasing of BRP. The LI of peanut decreased with BRP but did not show significant difference in low BRP treatment (i.e. in M6P6 and M8P8). The LUE differed within treatments in dry 2015 but not in wet 2016. In dry 2015, LUE of intercropped maize on average 13.6 % lower than the sole crop (2.05 g MJ −1 ), while LUE of intercropped peanut especially in M2P2 was 23.9 % higher than the sole crop (0.73 g MJ −1 ). The LUE varied daily and was significantly correlated with leaf area index and incident radiation intensity in both intercropping and the sole crops. Both LI and LUE responded to BRP and the responses differed between intercropped crops. The result could be used as a basis for explaining the mechanism of strip intercropping on light utilization, optimizing row configuration of intercropping design and improving light use algorithm of crop simulation model.

Film mulching affects root growth and function in dryland maize-soybean intercropping

• Maize roots morphological behaviors respond to soybean roots presence in dry and wet conditions. • Intercropped maize roots were shallower compared to sole maize. • More active root-diameter strategy for intercropped maize to adapt to varied water conditions. • Film mulching improved the overlap of interspecific roots. • Film mulching greatly increased maize grain yield with a lesser decline of soybean grain yield relative to sole soybean. Understanding the morphological response of maize roots in the presence of soybeans in fields under varied water conditions is vital for identifying maize-dominant intercropping systems suitable for climate change. In this study, two maize-soybean intercropping systems (maize with and without film mulching) were compared with maize and soybean sole crops in rainfed farmland on the Loess Plateau. Different features, including the maize root morphological traits, root vertical distribution, shoot traits, interspecific root overlap, and grain yield of intercrops, were determined after silking in 2017 (dry year) and 2018 (wet year). The intercropped maize (without film mulching) employed a thin root system under dry conditions and a profuse root system under wet conditions, with shallow roots and active root-diameter strategy to adapt to varied water conditions. These features resulted in higher grain yield in per unit area for the intercropped maize (16.97 % overyielding) than sole maize without film mulching. Film mulching of intercropped maize modified the roots with confined growth under dry conditions and inhibited the roots with excessive growth under wet conditions; as a consequence, the two morphologies of intercropped maize root system were reshaped into the optimal one (less profuse but not thin), with S-type vertical distribution (1 m soil profile) for root length and more beneficial root-diameter strategy. Besides, film mulching improved interspecific root interaction through an evident increase in root length or mass in the interspecific overlap regions. Finally, film mulching improved the maize overyielding dramatically (84 %) due to high leaf adaptability and efficient root-shoot synergy in maize plants. Importantly, the maize mulching did not decrease intercropped soybean yield significantly when compared with sole soybean due to the benefits from interspecific facilitation, while it enhanced total grain yield (10.67 %) for the intercropping system. Thus, film mulching improved maize root morphology and balanced soil resource exploitation and shoot development, consequently strengthening the attainable grain yield in the intercropping system. To conclude, the research elucidates the plant root mechanisms (root morphological changes) underlying overyielding of intercropped maize in varied water conditions. It identifies film mulching of maize as a strategy to optimize root growth and function for higher intercropping yield advantage in dryland.

Weeds Spectrum, Productivity and Land-Use Efficiency in Maize-Gram Intercropping Systems under Semi-Arid Environment

To ensure food security on sustainable basis, reducing weeds interference and boosting land use efficiency are critical. A field study was conducted at research farm of University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, to sort out the most productive maize-gram intercropping system under semi-arid environment. Treatments included sole maize in single row (60 cm apart) (T1) and double rows (90 cm apart) (T2) strips, sole black (T3) and green gram (T4) crops, six single rows (60 cm apart) of maize with twelve double rows (20 cm) of black (T5) and green gram (T6), three double rows (90 cm apart) of maize with three sets of quadratic rows (20 cm apart) of black (T7) and green gram (T8). The experiment was executed in regular arrangement of randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that T1 produced the highest grain yield (6.97 t ha−1) of maize and significantly lower weeds infestation compared to wider row spacing (T2). Among intercropping systems, T8 significantly decreased weeds density (16.33 plants m−2) and their fresh (20.93 g m−2) and dry weights (5.63 g m−2), while the maximum land use efficiency as indicated by unmatched land equivalent ratio and intercropping advantage were recorded by T7 and T8. Interestingly, green gram in intercropping recorded over 58% higher productivity than black gram. We conclude that maize-green gram intercropping hold potential to impart sustainability to maize production by reducing weeds infestation (431% lower than sole maize) and could be a viable option for smallholder farmers in semi-arid environment.

Pre-extension Demonstration of Dolichos lablab (Lablab purpureus) under sown in Maize at Dugda and Lume Districts of East Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

The activity was conducted in Bekele-Girisa of Dugda district. The objectives were to demonstrate forage production from lablab under sown in maize and to evaluate the lablab-maize intercropping practices with farmers participation. Accordingly, Farmers' Research and Extension Groups (FREGs) with 18 members were established at Bekele Girisa kebele. Four trial farmers were selected from each FREGs for forage production based on the criteria including interest of the farmers in producing forage on their land, farmer having enough land for forage production and who have milking cows. BH-540 maize variety was intercropped with Lablab purpureus on plot a size of 32*32m 2 . Pure stands of maize with similar plot size was also established for comparison. Lablab purpureus was intercropped in maize at two weeks period after maize planting. Farmers were used as replication with participatory approach. The results revealed that the total biomass (Stover + lablab) and maize grain yields were significantly different (P<0.05) among the practices at Dugda site. Even though statistically not significant (P>0.05) between the two practices, there was total biomass and maize grain yield increment in lablab under-sown in maize than pure stand of maize. Similarly, crude protein content of the maize Stover under sown with lablab was improved. Farmers were also very interested for forage production from lablab intercropping in maize as compared to sole maize production practice. Therefore, it is recommended to extend the forage production strategy such as lablab intercropping in maize to enhance the production of high biomass of forage with good quality in the study area. Keywords: biomass yield, FREG , intercropping, Lablab DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-15-04 Publication date: August 31 st 2021

Marginal more than mesic sites benefit from groundnut diversification of maize: Increased yield, protein, stability, and profits

Sustainable Intensification (SI) interventions are urgently required, particularly those suited to resource poor farms in Africa. Legume crops have been promoted as a key ingredient for SI of rainfed grain production on smallholder farms, with variable results. There is a need to explore the extent to which legume diversification of maize production impacts stability, nutrition, and income. This is particularly so for marginal environments. On-farm experimentation was conducted in Central Malawi over two to seven years on 29 farm sites (120 year-site combinations). The farms were located within four areas that included lakeshore, dissected hills (two locations) and upland plain. Maize diversification included a long-duration legume pigeonpea and a medium duration legume groundnut, grown in rotation or intercropped with maize, and as a doubled-up legume rotation (DLR). To quantify the performance of systems under low, medium, and high yield environments, we used long-term average maize yield to categorize each farm site. All legume diversified systems supported stable grain production in the low yield environment, as shown by 37–41% coefficient of variation for yield, in comparison to 62% for sole maize. The groundnut systems consistently produced the highest grain yield, protein, stable yields, and economic returns, and this performance held up in marginal, low yield environments. In this multi-site, multi-year, on-farm replicated study, the performance of groundnut systems (GnRot and DLR) stood out for high protein (0.529 T ha−1 2 yr−1 and 0.615 T ha −1 2 yr−1, respectively over two years) versus unfertilized maize (0.169 T ha−1 2 yr−1). These two groundnut-based systems were produced with half-fertilizer rates compared to sole maize and were economically high performers. However, there was a barrier to adoption of GnRot and DLR in that improved groundnut seed was expensive (USD 157 ha−1 2 yr−1), this initial investment being beyond the means of many farmers, despite the cost largely offset by the generation of high income (USD 1636–1993 ha−1 2 yr−1). Long-term sustainability was assessed by monitoring soil organic carbon (SOC), which was found to be markedly influenced by soil texture (sites with SOC >1.5% had sand content <50%). Legume diversification effects on SOC were not discerned, possibly due to high sand content on the oldest trial sites. This study highlights the value of longitudinal data and including a wide range of soil texture sites in on-farm experimentation to identify overall legume diversification effects within maize systems.

Maize/faba bean intercropping with rhizobial inoculation in a reclaimed desert soil enhances productivity and symbiotic N2 fixation and reduces apparent N losses

Although intensive modern agriculture, featured with high inputs of chemicals, contributed to global food production, simultaneously caused a series of serious issues, such as loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, and environment risk. The objective of our study is to integrate various inherit biological potentials of cropping system to gain higher productivity with lower external inputs. Field experiments were conducted over a two-year period (2008-2009) with five fertilizer-N application rates (0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 kg N ha−1) to study the influence of fertilizer N application on the productivity and N utilization of a Rhizobium-inoculated maize (Zea mays L.)/faba bean (Vicia faba L.) intercropping system on a reclaimed desert soil (Sierozems). Average grain yields of faba bean and maize with inoculation increased by 50.0 and 19.6 %, respectively, and reached a maximum land equivalent ratio of 1.78 with zero fertilizer N application in 2009 compared with sole crops. The nodulation of intercropped faba bean was significantly higher with Rhizobium inoculation, especially with an optimum N application rate of < 150 kg N ha−1. Average %Ndfa and Ndfa increased by 42.5 and 86.6 %, respectively, based on interspecific interaction and inoculation. The average apparent N recovery of the intercropping system with inoculation increased by 146.5 % at 75 kg N ha−1 relative to the weighted mean values of sole crops. Intercropping saved fertilizer N compared to sole crops suggested by a fertilizer N equivalent ratio (NFER) > 1. Furthermore, intercropping with rhizobium inoculation saved more fertilizer N than that without rhizobium inoculation. After the faba bean harvest, intercropped maize made better use of the nitrogen taken up to grow faster than sole maize. At the maize harvest the intercropping system showed higher grain yield and N acquisition in the aboveground parts and lower Nmin accumulation in the soil profile, an effect that declined with fertilizer N application. The results therefore indicate that Rhizobium-inoculated maize/faba bean intercropping on the reclaimed desert soil with a moderate fertilizer N application rate enhancede productivity, biological N2 fixation and apparent N recovery with lower environmental risk.

Straw and residual film management enhances crop yield and weakens CO2 emissions in wheat\u2013maize intercropping system

Higher CO2 emissions and lower crop productivity are becoming thorny problems and restricted sustainable development of agriculture in arid inland areas. Intercropping has been shown to enhance crop productivity. However, Intercropping generally requires more input that led to an increase in CO2 emissions. It is unknown whether designing tillage and film mulching in reduction could decrease soil CO2 emissions in intercropping. Therefore, we integrated no tillage combined with residual film mulching and straw returning into wheat–maize intercropping. The maximal soil CO2 fluxes (Fs) with intercropping was decreased by 12–21% compared to sole maize. Residual film mulching combined with straw returning (NTSMI) significantly reduced average Fs during the entire period of crop growth by 14–15%, compared with the conventional tillage (CTI). Soil CO2 emissions (CE) with intercropping was 18–20% less than that with sole maize and the NTSMI reduced CE by 12–16% compared to the CTI. The NTSMI boosted total grain yields (GY) by 14–17%, compared with the CTI. Wheat–maize intercropping significantly enhanced soil CO2 emission efficiency (CEE) by 33–41% in comparison to sole maize, and CEE with NTSMI was increased by 29–40% than that of CTI. A quadratic function for aboveground biomass (BA) combined with two linear functions for soil temperature (Ts) and soil water-filled pore space (WFPS) was suitable for the monitored results. A multiple regression model composed of the above three factors can explain 73–91% of the Fs variation. Crop biomass accumulation at the time of maximal Fs was less with intercropping compared with sole maize. The structural equation indicated that the BA synergistic effect on CEE through combining negative effects on CE and positive effects on GY in intercropping. In conclusion, no tillage with straw returning and residual film mulching in wheat–maize intercropping was confirmed to be an optimum management practice to reducing soil CO2 emissions and enhancing soil CO2 emission efficiency in arid inland agroecosystem.

Conservation agriculture-based Zea mays (maize)-Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) cropping systems in South Central Ethiopia

Conservation agriculture (CA) is defined as sustainable agriculture production system comprising a set of farming practices. The experiment was conducted at three districts from 2011 to 2016 at five farmers’ field they considered as replicate. The experiment consisted of five treatments (continuous sole maize, maize bean rotation, maize-bean inter-cropping, bean rotation under CA and farmer practice). Maize yield and yield related traits and soil water data were collected from each site. Soil moisture content under CA practices was higher than the farmer practice. At East-Badawacho and Meskan grain yield was higher by 4 and 8% in CA compared with farmer practice, respectively. Maize bean rotation and sole maize under CA out yielded the farmer practice by 13 and 4%, respectively but inter-cropping had 5% lower grain yield. At Hawassa-Zuriya, CA maize bean rotation had higher yield than farmer practice in 2011 and 2013. Maize-bean inter-cropping, maize bean rotation and sole maize under CA had 10, 8 and 6% higher grain yield than farmer practice, respectively. Common bean grain yield from bean rotation under CA had 2799, 2908, and 3226 kg ha-1, from inter cropping bean grain yield of 817, 1065 and 927 kg ha-1 obtained at East-Badawacho, Hawassa-Zuriya and Meskan districts, respectively. Generally, CA cropping systems had drought stress reduction potential and greater yields compared with farmer practice. Key words: Farmer-practice, sole-maize, rotation, inter-cropping, rift-valley.

Effect of seeding ratio and time of planting of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) intercropping with maize (Zea mays) on agronomic parameters, forage biomass and grain yield of maize

The study was conducted at Adami Tulu and Dugda districts of Oromia regional state, Ethiopia to determine the optimum level of seeding ratio and planting time of cowpea under maize for optimum forage biomass production and maize grain yield. Combinations of four levels of cowpea seeding ratios and four different cowpea planting dates were laid out in a randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications. The levels of seeding ratios were 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, 0% (sole maize) for the two districts. The four planting dates for cowpea were simultaneously planting with maize, 10 days after maize planting (DAMP), 20 DAMP and 30 DAMP. The results indicated that increasing seeding ratio of cowpea from 25% to the highest level (100%) resulted in significantly increased cowpea forage biomass yield. Time of cowpea planting in maize also influenced the plant height and biomass yield of cowpea. The highest forage biomass yield was recorded from simultaneously planting of the two crops. On the other hand, seeding ratio of cowpea has significantly influenced the grain yield of maize. It was also indicated that the time of cowpea planting in maize have significantly affected the grain yield of maize with simultaneously planting resulting in the lowest grain yield. The total LER in most of the intercropping system was more than one showing that intercropping of forage legumes with maize is more advantageous than sole cropping of maize. The optimum forage legume biomass yield (1.78 t/ha) was obtained from the combination of seeding ratio of 75% with 10 DAMP without significantly (p&gt;0.05) reducing the grain yield of maize. Hence this combination was recommended for production of cowpea forage and maize grain from intercropping of the two crops in the study areas. From these results, it can be concluded that additional forage can be produced by intercropping cowpea with maize at their appropriate seeding ratio and planting time with a little or no sacrifice in maize grain yield. Moreover, it is important to further demonstrate and promote the recommended maize-cowpea intercropping practices for the end users of the study areas and similar agro-ecologies.

Effects of four organic amendments on soil physiochemical properties and yield of maize (Zea mays) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) intercrop in Awka, southeastern Nigeria

Effects of four organic amendments on some soil physical and chemical properties were investigated in Awka, Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria. Over the years, use of synthetic materials in crop production has been a common practice globally. The attendant detrimental effects of the chemicals used in the formulation of these synthetics on animal and human health as well as the environment has made researchers to look out for a better agronomic practice that would not only improve productivity but at the same time sustain a healthy environment. Sole maize, sole cowpea and maize-cowpea intercrop (study area conventional practices) were planted using four soil organic amendments viz: cassava peel (CP), poultry manure (PM), pig waste (PW) and rice husk (RH) at the rate of 20 t ha–1 with the fifth as the control. The treatments were laid out in a 3 × 5 factorial in randomized complete block design and replicated four times. Data on the treatments’ effects on the selected soil physical properties (bulk density, total porosity, soil moisture) and chemical properties (soil pH, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon, exchangeable bases and exchangeable acidity) were subjected to factorial analysis of variance using GenStat 2006 Edition. Results indicated that for sole maize, the amendments had significant effect onexchangeable Al3+and Na+; organic carbon, soil pH, available phosphorus and CEC but had no significant effect on Ca2+, H+, Mg2+ and K+ as compared to the control. For sole cowpea, compared to the plots with no amendment (control), all the chemical parameters analyzed differed significantly except organic carbon. Whereas, for maize-cowpea intercrop the treatments had no significant effect on Al3+, Na+, K+ and available phosphorus but differed significantly in exchangeable H+, Ca2+, Mg2+, organic carbon, soil pH, and CEC. There was a decrease in bulk density following the amendment. For sole maize, sole cowpea and maizecowpea intercrop; bulk density, total porosity and moisture content of the amended plots were significantly (p&lt; 0.05) influenced. Organic amendments also significantly improved the growth and yield of maize and cowpea in both the sole and intercrop systems. Generally, poultry manure resulted in higher plant height,number of leaves and leaf area for maize; vine length, number of branches for cowpea as compared with other amendments. Hence, poultry manure was the most effective organic amendment in improving the soil physical and chemical properties as well as the growth and yield of cowpea and maize.&#x0D; Key words: Growth, maize-cowpea intercrop, soil physical and chemical properties, soil organic amendments

The agronomic and economic viability of innovative cropping systems to reduce Fusarium head blight and related mycotoxins in wheat

CONTEXTThe effective control of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat, mainly caused by the toxigenic fungus Fusarium graminearum, has a significant impact on food safety worldwide. As maize is one of the main hosts of F. graminearum, the risk of infection by this plant pathogen is highest when wheat is grown after maize and infected crop residues are not buried through ploughing. OBJECTIVESThis study aimed to investigate the agronomic and economic viability of two innovative cropping systems with the goal to reduce the risk of FHB and mycotoxins in subsequent wheat. These systems were maize-intercropping and cover cropping with different plant species before the wheat growing season under reduced tillage practices. METHODSFor the maize-intercropping study, red clover, sudangrass, phacelia, white mustard and Indian mustard were used as intercrops with grain maize and compared with a sole maize crop in a grain maize-winter wheat rotation under no-tillage or reduced tillage. For the cover cropping study, white mustard, Indian mustard and winter pea were used as interval cover crops in a silage maize-spring wheat rotation under no-tillage and compared with treatments without a cover crop, i.e. herbicide or plough applied after silage maize. The incidence of Fusarium head blight causing species and the accumulation of mycotoxins in grains of wheat as well as the crop yield were monitored. In addition, an economic assessment was conducted by calculating the receipts, operating costs and gross margin for each cropping system. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSGrowing intercrops with maize or interval cover crops in a maize-wheat rotation under reduced tillage decreased mycotoxins in wheat while maintaining wheat yield. The use of white mustard or Indian mustard as intercrops reduced deoxynivalenol in winter wheat by up to 52% compared with maize grown as a sole crop. The use of white mustard, Indian mustard or winter pea as interval cover crops also reduced deoxynivalenol and improved yield in spring wheat by up to 85% and 25%, respectively. Remarkably, the toxin reduction through these cover crops was comparable with that obtained by ploughing. However, due to increased operating costs, we observed economic trade-offs in these innovative cropping systems, i.e. 7–25% reduced gross margin over the entire rotation. SIGNIFICANCEBoth cereal growers and consumers can benefit from the recommended practices, which considerably lower the risk of mycotoxin contamination in harvest products while maintaining crop yield. To address the economic trade-offs, policy makers should support innovation in cropping systems, enhancing food safety while also ensuring the economic viability of cereal production systems.

Effects of Different Maize–Soybean Intercropping Patterns on Yield Attributes, Yield and B: C Ratio

A field experiment was carried out to study the “Effects of different maize–soybean intercropping patterns on yield attributes, yield and B: C ratio” at the Agricultural Research Farm, Bhagwant University, Ajmer. Treatment consists of Sole maize (60x20 cm), Sole Soyabean (30x10 cm), Maize-Soybean (1:1) (60X20 cm), Maize-Soybean (1:1) (75X20 cm), Maize-Soybean (1:1) (90X20 cm), Maize-Soybean (1:2) (90X20 cm) and Maize-Soybean (2:6) (Paired row 45/180 cm). There were four replicated blocks and plot sizes measuring 7 m x 4.5 m laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results of the experiment showed that the maize-soybean intercropping patterns had significant effect on maize stover and grain yields. Sole maize recorded significantly higher yield than intercropped maize under varying geometry and row proportion. However, it was at par with maize intercropped with soybean in 1:1 row proportion with 60 x 20 cm .The intercropping patterns affected significantly the PAR intercepted and the leaf area index. The soybean sole crop intercepted significantly more light and leaf area index (LAI) than all other treatments and/or crop. Further,, the yield of sole soybean was significantly superior over other intercropped treatments. The highest benefit cost ratio revealed that higher return per unit money invested for inputs used for raising crops. The highest B: C ratio was recorded with maize + soybean in 2:6 paired row (3.57) intercropping system. The least B: C ratio was recorded in sole soybean (2.45).

Impact of Land Configuration and Strip-Intercropping on Runoff, Soil Loss and Crop Yields under Rainfed Conditions in the Shivalik Foothills of North-West, India

Maintaining sustainable crop production on undulating, sloppy, and erodible soils in Shivalik foothills of North-west India is a challenging task. Intercropping is accepted as a highly sustainable system to reduce soil erosion and ensure sustainable production by making efficient use of resources. Field experiments were conducted in the rainy season (July to September) during 2015, 2016, and 2017 to evaluate the effect of land slopes and maize and cowpea strip-intercropping on productivity and resource conservation at the Regional Research Station, Ballowal Saunkhri located in the Shivalik foothills. During three years of experimentation, a total of 23–26 runoff events were observed in the maize crop grown in the rainy season. The results from this 3-year field study indicate that maize grain yield was significantly higher on a 1% slope and cowpea on a 2% slope. This accounted for significantly higher net returns (US$ 428 ha−1) with a benefit-cost (BC) ratio of 2.0 on a 1% slope. Runoff, soil, and nutrient losses were higher on a 3% slope as compared to 1% and 2% slopes. N, P, and K loss on a 3% slope were 3.80, 1.82, and 4.10 kg ha−1 higher, respectively than a 1% slope. The adoption of a strip-intercropping system with a 4.8 m maize strip width and 1.2 m cowpea strip width resulted in significantly higher maize equivalent yield than sole maize and other strip-intercropping systems. This system showed the highest land equivalent ratio value (1.24) indicating a 24% yield advantage over sole cropping systems of maize and cowpea, and fetched the highest net returns (US$ 530 ha−1) with a benefit-cost ratio (BC ratio) of 2.09. This system also reduced runoff and soil loss by 10.9% and 8.3%, respectively than sole maize crop. On all the land slopes, maize and cowpea strip-intercropping systems showed a significant reduction in N, P, K, and organic carbon loss as compared to sole maize. Thus, on sloping land, the maize and cowpea strip-intercropping system decreases surface runoff, soil, and nutrient loss, and increases yield and income of the farmers as compared to a sole maize crop.

Economic assessment of maize (Zea mays L.) – Spinach (Basella alba L.) intercropping system for improving the livelihood of smallholders’ in South-Asia

Economic assessment of maize (Zea mays L.) – Spinach (Basella alba L.) intercropping system for improving the livelihood of smallholders’ in South-Asia

Land productivity and water use efficiency of maize-soybean strip intercropping systems in semi-arid areas: A case study in Punjab Province, Pakistan

Intercropping improves crop productivity in dryland farms, but little information is available on its application to irrigated land. Therefore, a three-year field trial was conducted to compare two maize-soybean strip-intercropping planting patterns (two-rows of maize intercropped with two-rows of soybean [2M2S] or -three rows of soybean [2M3S]) were studied with sole maize (SM) and sole soybean (SS) systems. Our results showed that wider-strips of soybean grown as 2M3S had significantly higher leaf area index (LAI; 19%), total dry matter accumulation (TDM; 15%), and grain yield (21%) than the narrower 2M2S strips; this is likely related to the reduced effects of maize shading on soybean. Slightly decreased LAI (4%), TDM (8%), and grain yield (5%) of maize were found in 2M3S. On average, intercropped maize and soybean produced 80% and 52% in 2M2S and 76% and 63% in 2M3S compared to SM and SS yields, respectively, demonstrating the dominance of maize over soybean when intercropped. Similarly, maize was a stronger competitor for water than soybean, with partial water equivalent ratio of 0.81 in 2M2S and 0.78 in 2M3S, while that of soybean was 0.54 in 2M2S and 0.66 in 2M3S. In the intercropping systems, the land equivalent ratio ranged from 1.31 to 1.45, and the water equivalent ratio ranged from 1.32 to 1.49, exhibiting that maize-soybean strip-intercropping is a productive strategy to maximize water use efficiency. The results suggest that the maize-soybean strip-intercropping system may be a productive and sustainable strategy to improve the water use efficiency and land productivity under irrigated conditions. This strategy could benefit agriculture with cleaner, and more efficient production under a global scenario of constrained land and water resources. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility of intercropping systems in various growing conditions.

English

Cereal crops especially maize production in Ethiopian Central Rift Valley is affected by biotic and abiotic production. This study was conducted for two seasons (2015-2016) and the best cropping system was identified using Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The experiment had six treatments (1) Continuous mono-cropping under conventional practice (CN), (2) continuous mono cropping under conservation agriculture (CA) (3) relay cropping (CA) with double bean planting within a season (maize bean inter-cropping: second round bean planting was conducted after immediate harvesting of the first bean), (4) Double cropping (CA) (maize bean inter cropping after sole lablab), (5) Double cropping (CA) (maize after bean) and (6) Double cropping (CA) (bean after maize). In 2016, the highest maize biomass yield and maximum water use efficiency were obtained from double cropping bean after maize with value of 16050 kg/ha and 31 kg mm-1, respectively. Maize-bean relay cropping outperformed the sole maize under CA and CN by 182 and 138% for maize grain yield. Water use efficiency of double cropping (maize after bean) and relay cropping was higher than double cropping (bean after maize) by 366 and 197% in 2015 for maize grain yield. For biomass, relay cropping under CA and sole maize under CN had similar water use efficiency of 18 kg mm-1. The CA practice with diverse crops planted together: double inter-cropping at different time (relay cropping) and double cropping under CA are good options for using the residual soil moisture and to sustainably improve crop productivity. Key words: Conservation; cropping system; lablab; water use efficiency.

Changes in soil phosphorus fractions in response to long‐term phosphate fertilization under sole cropping and intercropping of maize and faba bean on a calcareous soil

Understanding how soil phosphorus (P) fractions change is critical to achieve more efficient soil P use in a highly P-sorbing calcareous soil. The fields were managed without or with annual P fertilizer (40 kg P ha− 1), continuously growing sole cropping or intercropping of maize and faba bean. Soil samples (0–200 mm) were collected at the start of the experiment and eight years later, and we evaluated P fractions using sequential fractionation. Maize/faba bean intercropping had an average land equivalent ratio (LER) of 1.2, a similar P content as sole maize, while both acquired more P than sole faba bean. Compared with the original soil P fractions in 2009, three cropping systems, regardless of P fertilization, depleted the labile P pool (Resin-P and NaHCO3-Pi), while Residual-P and NaHCO3-Po accumulated. Eight years of no P input showed sole maize mainly depleted NaOH-Pi and conc. HCl-Pi, sole faba bean depleting NaOH-Po, while intercropping depleted the most abundant P fraction, 1 M HCl-Pi, in addition to NaOH-Pi. However, long-term P application caused the cropping systems to accumulate 1 M HCl-Pi while depleting the conc. HCl-Po fraction; both sole faba bean and intercropping showed accumulation of NaOH-Pi, while depleting NaOH-Po. Long-term appropriate P input enhanced the mineralization of mod-labile and non-labile organic P and accumulation of mod-labile inorganic P. Sole maize consistently depleted inorganic P and sole faba bean without P input depleted organic P, while intercropping accessed P pools varying with P input.

Evaluation of maize-based intercropping on runoff, soil loss, and yield in foothills of the Indian sub-Himalayas

SummarySoil and nutrients losses due to soil erosion are detrimental to crop production, especially in the hilly terrains. An experiment was carried out in three consecutive cropping seasons (2012–2015) with four treatments: sole maize; sole maize with plastic mulch; maize and cowpea under plastic mulching; and maize and soybean under plastic mulching in randomized block design (RBD) to assess their impact on productivity, profitability, and resource (rainwater, soil, and NPK nutrients) conservation in the Indian sub-Himalayan region. The plot size was 9 × 8.1 m with 2% slope, and runoff and soil loss were measured using a multi-slot devisor. The results showed that mean runoff decreased from 356 mm in sole maize with plastic mulch plots to 229 mm in maize + cowpea intercropping with plastic mulch, representing a reduction of 36% and corresponding soil loss reduction was 41% (from 9.4 to 5.5 t ha−1). The eroded soil exported a considerable amount of nitrogen (N) (13.2–31.4 kg ha−1), phosphorous (P) (0.5–1.7 kg ha−1), and potassium (K) (9.9–15.6 kg ha−1) and was consistently lower in maize + cowpea intercropping. The maize equivalent yield (MEY) was significantly higher in maize + cowpea with plastic mulch intercropping than the other treatments. These results justify the need to adopt maize with alternate legume intercrops and plastic mulch. This strategy must be done in a way guaranteeing high yield stability to the smallholder farmers of the Indian sub-Himalayan region.

Compact maize canopy improves radiation use efficiency and grain yield of maize/soybean relay intercropping system.

Maize/soybean relay intercropping system is a popular cultivation system to obtain high yields of both crops with reduced inputs. However, shading by maize decreases the photosynthetically active radiation, reaching the soybean canopy in maize/soybean relay intercropping system, which reduces soybean radiation use efficiency and competitiveness. Here, we reveal that compact maize in maize/soybean relay intercropping system enhances the photosynthetically active radiation transmittance, leaf area index, dry matter production, radiation use efficiency, and competitiveness of soybean and compensates the slight maize yield loss by substantially increasing soybean yield. In this experiment, soybean was relay intercropped with different maize types (SI, spreading maize; SII, semi-compact maize; and SIII, compact maize) in maize/soybean relay intercropping system, and all the relay intercropping treatments were compared with sole cropping systems of soybean and maize. Results revealed that SIII significantly enhanced the soybean radiation use efficiency (by 77%, from 0.35 g MJ-1 in SI to 0.61 g MJ-1 in SIII) and total radiation use efficiency (soybean radiation use efficiency + maize radiation use efficiency) of maize/soybean relay intercropping system (by 5%, from 3.53 g MJ-1 in SI to 3.73 g MJ-1 in SIII). Similarly, SIII improved the competitiveness (by 62%, from 0.58% in SI to 0.94% in SIII) of soybean but reduced the competitiveness (by 38%, from 1.73% in SI to 1.07% in SIII) of maize, which, in turn, considerably increased soybean yield by maintaining maize yield. On average, over the 2 years, in SIII, relay-intercropped soybean produced 89% of the sole soybean yield, and relay-intercropped maize produced 95% of the sole maize yield. Besides, treatment SIII achieved the mean highest land equivalent ratio value of 1.84 in both years. Thus, enhanced radiation use efficiency of soybean, especially during the co-growth period, was the primary factor responsible for the high productivity of the maize/soybean relay intercropping system.