Effects of intra-row spacing and cutting height of Calliandra calothyrsus on maize grain yield in alley cropping system
2003
Abebe Yadessa(Bako Agricultural Research Center, Bako (Ethiopia). Forestry Research/Agroforestry Research Division)
A field experiment of Calliandro calothyrsus Meissner alley cropped with maize was conducted for four cropping seasons (1997/98-2000/01) at Bako Agricultural Research Center in Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to assess the effects of intra-row spacing and cutting height of C. calothyrsus on maize grain yields in alley cropping system, and also to estimate the effect of alley cropping on maize yield in comparison to maize yield under no hedge-plot. Three intra-row spacings (25, 50, and 75 cm) were combined with four cutting heights (25, 50, 75 and 100 cm) factorially in randomized complete block design (RCBD) plus control (no hedge) plot with three replications. Results showed that the grain yield of maize was significantly (p=0.05) affected by intra-row spacing, but not by cutting height. The interaction between intra-row spacing and cutting height was not significant. Wider spacing gave higher maize grain yield, which might be due to less competition with maize as compared to those closely planted ones. On the other hand, the non-significant effect of hedge cutting height on maize yield might be due to systematic hedge pruningthat is, totally leaving the hedge intact during off-season but carefully monitoring it during the growing season to minimize the shading problem.
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