An appraisal of some intercropping methods in terms of grain yield, response to applied Phosphorus and Monetary return from maize and cowpeas

Abstract

Inter cropping methods had a significant effect on the yield of cowpeas but not of maize. Applied P affected the yield of mono-or intercropped maize significantly but not of inter cropped cowpeas. At any P rate, the yield of maize was the highest and that of cowpeas the lowest in the relay inter cropping. However, the alternate row inter cropping proved the most economical as h gave 34 percent higher monetary return than the mono-cropped maize. The same hill inter cropping gave an increase of 29 per cent in monetary return over the mono cropping and may be of convenience to farmers because it saves time and labour. Soil inorganic N content increased appreciably under inter cropping conditions; its magnitude was significantly affected by applied P.