Effect of Intercropping Taro [Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott] with Melon on Weed Control in Umuahia, Abia State, South East Nigeria
2024
Cyprian, U.E.C. | Uko, S.C. | Iroanya, C.A.
A two-year field study (2020-2021) was conducted in Umuahia, South-East Nigeria, to evaluate the effect of intercropping taro (Colocasia esculenta) with melon on weed suppression and crop yield. The experiment, laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, tested six planting patterns to determine the optimal spatial arrangement. Results demonstrated that intercropping patterns significantly influenced weed density and tuber yield. Sole taro plots consistently recorded the highest weed density (up to 72.6 g/m²), whereas the pattern with taro planted on the crest of the ridge and melon by the side was most effective for weed suppression, yielding the lowest weed density (10.5 g/m² in 2021). Crucially, this same configuration also produced the highest taro tuber yield (5.3 t/ha in 2020 and 5.0 t/ha in 2021), significantly exceeding yields from sole taro plots (1.4 t/ha and 1.2 t/ha, respectively). The seed yield of melon was not significantly affected by intercropping. The study concludes that the specific spatial arrangement of taro on the crest and melon on the side of the ridge is optimal. This system provides effective, sustainable weed control by maximizing ground cover and enhances taro productivity, likely through reduced competition and nutrient contributions from decomposing melon residues. It is highly recommended for smallholder farmers to improve productivity and manage weeds efficiently.
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