OPTIMIZING MAIZE YIELD AND ECONOMIC RETURNS THROUGH SOIL MOISTURE CONSERVATION UNDER LEGUME INTERCROP

Authors

  • Kirimi, I.M.
  • Munyiri, S.W.
  • Ndukhu, H.O.

Keywords:

Benefit cost ratio, Soil moisture content, Maize equivalent yield

Abstract

There is frequent drought pressure caused by the unpredictable and limited precipitationconcurrent with global climate change, but highly efficient cultivation technologies have been increasingly recognized by various levels of scientific communities. Maize (Zea mays L.)based intercropping systems are widely practiced in Kenya, but only a few studies have focused on cowpea (VignaunguiculataL.) as the companion intercrops. This study was conducted to assess the effect of incorporating cowpea into the maize production system on crop cover, soil moisture content (SMC), maize and cowpea yield, maize equivalent yield (MEY) and benefit: cost ratio (BCR). The experiment was randomized in a complete block design with the treatments comprising of pure maize stand (T1), maize intercropped with inoculated cowpea (T2), maize intercropped with non-inoculated cowpea (T3) and pure non-inoculated cowpea (T4). Significantly higher (82%) crop cover was exhibited at kernel development stage in T2 compared to 78, 64 and 53% in T3, T4 and T1 respectively. Similarly, the highest SMC was recorded at kernel development stage: 210.3, 209.3, 200.2 and 196.4mm in T2, T3, T4 and T1respectively. Maize yield was highest in T1 (2.80±0.12 t ha1) compared to T2 (2.21±0.07 t ha1) and T3 (2.17±0.11 t ha1). MEY was higher under intercropping systems than mono-cropping system. Maize intercropped with inoculated cowpeas was the most profitable cropping system with a net income of US$ 990.3 ha1 and a BCR of 2.02 compared to T1 (US$ 527.9 ha1) with a BCR of 1.13. The study showed that cowpea is a promising legume crop that could be integrated into maize cropping systems to improve moisture conservation and income without compromising maize yield.

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Published

2023-06-06