The Effect of Intercropping Lablab purpureus L. with Sorghum on Yield and Chemical Composition of Fodder

Abstract

In two years the growth and composition of mixtures of sorghum with Lablab purpureus as strips, paired rows and alternate rows were compared with those of sorghum and lablab monocrops. In the first year, when sowing did not occur until 7 August, the sorghum yields were low in the monocrop and even less in the mixed crops. Lablab yield was also reduced in mixtures compared with the monocrop, but total forage yield was greater for the mixed crops compared with sorghum alone. Of the mixed cropping systems, a reduction in the yield of lablab plants and in the phosphorus and potassium content of shed lablab leaves in paired rows suggested that there was more competition for nutrients between lablab plants grown in this treatment. In the second year, earlier sowing increased sorghum growth at the expense of lablab yield in the mixed cropping systems, with the result that total forage yield was not increased when sorghum was intercropped with lablab. However, the crude protein content of sorghum stems and leaf yield were increased in mixed crops, particularly in paired and alternate rows rather than strips, demonstrating that close configuration of the legume and cereal are necessary for the cereal to obtain most benefit from nitrogen fixed by the legume. It is concluded that, when conditions are favourable for rapid sorghum and lablab growth, the sorghum will benefit more when it is grown in paired rows with lablab rather than in strips. However, the close spacing normally adopted for paired rows may encourage competition between lablab plants and increase the requirements for phosphorus and potassium fertilizer.

Biological Benefits of Intercropping Maize (<i>Zea mays L</i>) with Fenugreek, Field Pea and Haricot Bean Under Irrigation in <i>Fogera</i> Plain, South <i>Gonder</i> Zone, Ethiopia

“…Similar to the current finding, Shehu et al (1999) reported that monocropping resulted in superior grain yield of maize/sorghum compared with different intercropping treatments. Also, Pal et al (1993) reported that seed yields of monocrops of soybean, maize and sorghum were higher than their respective encounters in the intercropping.…”

Effect of Varieties and Population of Intercropped Soybean with Maize on Yield and Yield components at Haro Sabu, Western Ethiopia

“…The lower biomass yield produced from intercropped maize might be due to inter specific competition between component crops. In line with this result, Shehu et al (1999) reported significantly higher sorghum stalk yield for sole crop compared with different mixed cropping treatments. Likewise, Luiz and Robert (2003) reported that intercropping as compared with sole cropping decreased biomass yield of maize under intercropping with common bean.…”

“…and depressive effects of soybean on maize at early growth stage because both crop were planted simultaneously and soybean was emerged earlier than maize. In accordance with this result, Shehu et al (1999), Tamado and Eshetu (2000), Yesuf (2003) and Dechasa (2005) reported that yield of sole cropped sorghum was significantly higher than intercropped sorghum. Means within the same column and rows followed by the same letter do not differ significantly at 5% probability level; LSD = Least Significant Difference (P< 0.05); CV = Coefficient of variation…”

Effect of Nitrogen Rate and Stubble Height on Dry Matter Yield, Crude Protein Content and Crude Protein Yield of a Sorghum–Sudangrass Hybrid[Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench × Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf.] in the Three‐Cutting System

“…Many producers use summer annual grasses as silage, grazing, hay or green feed to fill this gap in their forage programme. There-fore, these crops help to maintain a high level of production during the summer months when unfavourable climate conditions often bring about a decrease in the production and quality of perennial herbage (Beuerlein et al 1968, Bhatt 1995, Creel and Fribourg 1981, Fribourg 1995, Shehu et al 1999.…”