Effect of varying Desmodium and maize harvesting regimes on their yields and growth attributes within the “Push- Pull” intercropping systems in Western Kenya
Abstract
167 words
This study tested the hypothesis that inclusion of Desmodium
spp. into maize cropping system under the push-pull technology
enhanced crop growth and yield. Field trials were conducted in
Siaya and Busia districts of western Kenya with the following
treatments: two Desmodium spp (Desmodium uncinatum Jacq
and Desmodium intortum Urb.) intercropped with maize, sole
maize with urea (90 kg N /ha) and sole maize without urea and
three Desmodium harvesting regimes (9, 12 and 17 weeks after
planting maize- WAPM). Maize shoots/grain harvesting and
sampling for mineral N (up to 120 cm) was conducted at 9, 10,
12, 13, 15 and 17 WAMP. Soils from both sites were acidic (pH
< 5.3), had low N (<0.091%), very low available P (<3.78 mg
P/kg) and moderate organic carbon (<2.42%). Establishment
of Desmodium was slow during the first season and maize yield
was affected drastically with the monocropped maize
performing better during the first season. It was concluded that
the intercropping system could benefit farmers only during later
cropping seasons.
Subjects
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