Effect of Component Densities on the Productivity of Soybean/Maize and Soybean/Sorghum Intercrop

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during the wet seasons of 1986 and 1987 at the Yandev Agricultural Experiment Station to investigate the effects of component density on the yield of sorghum or maize intercropped with soybean. Seed yield of the monocrops of sorghum, maize and soybean were higher than the individual components in the intercrops. Yields of component crops in the intercrop varied significantly with the components population density. The sorghum/soybean intercrops which had LER (Land Equivalent Ratio) up to 1.40 in 1986 and 1.35 in 1987 were more productive than soybean/maize intercrop with maximum LER of 1.28 and 1.34 respectively during 1986 and 1987. Similarly the ATER (Area X Time Equivalent Ratio) of sorghum/soybean was greater than in soybean/maize. However, for maximum productivity of sorghum or maize intercropped with soybean, optimum population of one component crop plus 1/2 optimum population of the companion crop is recommended depending on which of the crop is regarded as main or minor crop.

Evaluating Yield Performance of Cowpea Varieties under Sole And Intercropping with Sorghum at Bauchi, Nigeria

“…Varieties IT89KD-391, IT90K-277-2 and IT90K-372-1-2 recorded higher head weight of 1750kg/ha, 1740kg/ha and 1880kg/ha respectively. This result agrees with the findings of Pal et al, (1993) who reported yield advantages of legume-cereal intercropping over sole cropping. In 1998, highest head weight was recorded for sorghum when intercropped with varieties IT90K-277-2 (1791kg/ha) and IT90K-372-1-2 (1750kg/ha) when compared to sole sorghum head weight (1625kg/ha) ( Table 6).…”

“…In 1998, highest head weight was recorded for sorghum when intercropped with varieties IT90K-277-2 (1791kg/ha) and IT90K-372-1-2 (1750kg/ha) when compared to sole sorghum head weight (1625kg/ha) ( Table 6). This recorded increment in this finding agrees with Wanki et al, 1982 andPal et al, 1993 who had reported yield advantages of legume-cereal intercropping system over sole cropping. However, a significant reduction in head weight was recorded for sorghum when intercropped with varieties IT93K-273-2-1 (1166kg/ha), IT89KD-349 (1250kg/ha) and IT89KD-391 (1375kg/ha).…”

“…It has been reported that the inclusion of legumes in grass pastures often increase grass and protein yield as a result of the nitrogen fixed by the legume to the associated crop especially when they grow together for a long period (Goodman and Collinson, 1986). The yield advantages of legume-cereal intercropping system over sole have been reported (Pal et al, 1993). However results demonstrated varietal differences in the cowpea response to method of planting.…”

Evaluation of Sorghum-Cowpea Intercrop Productivity in Savanna Agro-ecology using Competition Indices

“…However, Chui and Shibles (1983) attributed the depression in yield of cereal/legume mixtures to shading by cereal of the legume thereby reducing yield. Pal et al (1993) also reported yield reduction in intercropped cereal/legume compared to sole cereal and legume in the Nigerian savanna and that yield reduction due to intercropping depended on the crop component ratios. The highest grain yield of sorghum in the mixture was obtained at 2S:1C planting arrangement but not significantly different from the other planting arrangements.…”

The growth and yield performances of Groundnut in Sole cropping and intercropped with Okra and Maize in Enugu, South Eastern Nigeria.

“…The significant reduction in yield observed from the intercrop plots may be attributed to inter specific competition among the plants for space, nutrients, light, water etc. Francis et al, (1982), Pal et al, (1993), and Addo-Quaye (2011) all reported reduced intercrop yield in maize / Bean intercrop, Soybean / Maize or Soybean / Sorghum intercrop and Soybean / Maize intercrop respectively, when they investigated the effect of component density on the yield of Sorghum or Maize intercrop with Soybean or Beans.…”