Effects of Intercropping Maize with Pigeon Peas on Grain Yield and Nutrient Uptake

Abstract

SUMMARY: Intercropping maize with pigeon peas, in a mixed stand or in alternate rows, significantly reduced the grain yield of maize but not of pigeon peas. Maize grown alone produced the maximum grain yield ha.⁻¹ week⁻¹, whereas maize and pigeon peas grown in alternate rows produced maximum proteins ha.⁻¹ week⁻¹ and absorbed the maximum amounts of potassium, calcium and magnesium. Pigeon peas grown in a pure stand produced minimum grain yield and proteins ha.⁻¹ week⁻¹, and absorbed minimum amounts of nutrients. The problem of intercropping maize with pigeon peas under optimum nitrogen fertilization is discussed.