Integration of forage legumes into maize based cropping systems in western Ethiopia: Effect of intercropping of Lablab purpureus and Vicia atropurpurea on maize grain and total forage yields
2003
Diriba Geleti(Bako Agricultural Research Center, Bako (Ethiopia)) | Lemma Gizachew(Bako Agricultural Research Center, Bako (Ethiopia))
The study was conducted at Bako Research Center between 1993-1996 to assess the feasibility of integrating two forage legumes (Lablab purpureus and Vicia atropurpurea) into maize-based cropping system for improving feed and food production. The grain and fodder DM production over the first three years showed the same trend. During 1993, 1994 and 1995, the maize grain yield obtained from the plots where Lablab was simultaneously planted with maize was low. The mean grain yield values for 1993 1994 and 1995 were 5.64, 3.70 and 3.68 t/ha, respectively. It was found that the vetch species tested were not suitable for intercropping in to maize farming system. Though the amount of fodder obtained from the legume component in Lablab/maize intercrop system is low, the fact that this yield was obtained with out affecting maize grain yield makes the intervention attractive. During the 1996 season, the highest maize grain yield (7.33 t/ha) was obtained from plots under sole Lablab purpureus for three years. The least maize grain yield from plots Vicia atropurpurea plots those with v. atropurpurea and its simultaneous intercrop with maize, indicates the low contribution of these legume species in restoring soil fertility. Maize stover yields were higher on plots continuously planted to sole lablab and in those where lablab was simultaneously planted with maize.
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