Growth Analysis, and Yield Responses of Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) in an Intercropping System
Toudou Daouda Abdoul-Karim,
Daouda Insa Bani,
Atta Sanoussi
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2023
Pages:
27-35
Received:
24 July 2023
Accepted:
15 August 2023
Published:
28 August 2023
Abstract: Niger, with a diversified agricultural production system, is dominated by the cultivation of millet for cereals, and cowpea for legumes where they are most often grown in combination. Among the cereal/legume combinations observed, the millet/cowpea combination is by far the most used by producers. This study aimed to evaluate the field experiment in 2021 rainy conditions, the growth, and the yield and yield components of millet/cowpea intercropping. A split-plot design was employed in this experiment, with treatments in main plots, and the varieties in small plots. Treatments included millet sole crop, cowpea sole crop, and intercropping millet/cowpea. Three genotypes of cowpea and a variety of millet, Heini Kirey Précoce (HKP) were used in this study. Growth and yield variables such as leaf area index (LAI), specific leaf area (SLA) and crop growth rate (CGR), biomass and seeds yield, millet 1000 seeds weight, harvest index, and LER were determined. Four cuts were made to determine the growth variables, at the tillering stage, elongation stage, 50% flowering of millet, and dough stage of millet grains. The results showed that total dry matter achieved by intercrop was significantly higher than those achieved by either millet or cowpea sole crop. Grain yield and thousand grain weights of millet were not affected by intercropping while cowpea did not produce any grain. The LAI was higher in intercropping than in sole crops, with higher values at the dough stage of the grains. The growth was maximal for both crops between the second and third cut with optimal growth rates. The LAI was higher in association than in pure culture and with higher values at the dough stage of the grains. Growth was maximum between the bolting and 50% flowering stages with optimal LAI and growth rate values.
Abstract: Niger, with a diversified agricultural production system, is dominated by the cultivation of millet for cereals, and cowpea for legumes where they are most often grown in combination. Among the cereal/legume combinations observed, the millet/cowpea combination is by far the most used by producers. This study aimed to evaluate the field experiment i...
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Response of Maize Variety to Nitrogen and Plant Population Density in Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia
Sisay Gurmu,
Eshetu Yadete
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2023
Pages:
36-41
Received:
7 August 2023
Accepted:
22 August 2023
Published:
8 September 2023
Abstract: The field experiment was done at Jimma Zone during 2017 to 2019 main cropping seasons. The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of five Nitrogen fertilizer rates (69, 92, 115, 138, and 161 N kg ha-1) and four plant densities 66,666 (75*20cm), 53,333 (75*25cm), 44,444 (75*30cm) and 62,500 plants h-1 (80*40cm two plants per hill) laid down in a randomized complete block design with 5x4 factorial arrangements using three replications. The maize variety BH546 (medium maturing variety) was used. The ANOVA data analysis indicated that all collected parameters were significantly affected by the main effect of N fertilizer rates and plant densities, but did not by interaction. The highest grain and above ground biomass yield (7580, 13990kg ha-1) respectively were obtained from the highest N fertilizer rate (161 kg ha-1). Also the highest plant population density of 66,666 plants h-1 (75*20 cm) gave the highest grain yield (7520 kg ha-1) and above ground biomass (14140 kgha-1). The grain yield was significantly increased from 6601 to 7580kg ha-1 which means increased by 13.07 and 11.94% over the lowest 69 N kg ha-1 rate and 92 N kg ha-1 (Optimum N recommended rate) respectively. Application of 115 N kg ha-1 fertilizer rate and using plant population density of 53,333 plants ha-1 (75*25cm) gave the highest net benefit of 48,279 ETB ha-1 and 52,394.40 ETB ha-1 respectively. In conclusion, sensitivity analysis on coexisting changes in field prices of inputs and maize grain (±15%) showed that 92 N kg ha-1 fertilizer rate and plant population of 53,333 plants ha-1 (75*25cm) gave the highest marginal rate of return (MRR) 205.75% and 738.57% respectively and more profitable under unstable market situations. Therefore, application of 92 kg N ha-1 fertilizer rate with plant population density of 53,333 plants ha-1 (75*25cm) is recommended at Jimma zone and other similar agro-ecologies of southwestern Ethiopia.
Abstract: The field experiment was done at Jimma Zone during 2017 to 2019 main cropping seasons. The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of five Nitrogen fertilizer rates (69, 92, 115, 138, and 161 N kg ha-1) and four plant densities 66,666 (75*20cm), 53,333 (75*25cm), 44,444 (75*30cm) and 62,500 plants h-1 (80*40cm two plants per hill) laid down ...
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