Evaluation of maize-soybean intercropping systems and fertilizer rates on maize grain yield using competitive indices

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-76
Author(s):  
F.O. Takim ◽  
J.O. Omeke ◽  
P. Tunku ◽  
J.A. Shebaya ◽  
G. Olaoye ◽  
...  

Field trials were conducted in savanna ecologies of Nigeria during the 2015 and 2016 seasons using maize (PVA8) and soybean (TGX 1448-2E) intercropping systems with different fertilizer rates to evaluate the yield of maize and assess the best intercropping system for resource management. Single plant stands and two plants/stand and 2 arrangements of rows (one row on a ridge and two rows on a ridge) were used to impose maize plant densities evaluated in strip inter-crop with soybean. The trial was factorial, laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Thus, 8 maize-soybean strip cropping systems and application of 3 NPK rates were evaluated at Saki-Oyo, Ilorin, and Nasarawa (southern Guinea savanna), Kaduna in the northern Guinea savanna, Funtua (Katsina) and Gusau (Zamfara) located within Sudan savanna ecologies of Nigeria. Data on yields and yield components were collected. The intercropping systems were assessed using existing intercropping indices such as Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), Relative Crowding Coefficient (K), Aggressivity (A), Competitive Ratio (CR), Actual Yield Loss (AYL), Intercropping Advantage (IA) and Monetary Advantage Index (MAI). The result showed that Nasarawa and Kaduna were most ideal locations for maize production in the Nigeria savannas. The highest grain yield of 4.04 tons/ha maize and 1.36 tons/ha soybean were obtained from seeding 1 plant/stand in 2-rows per ridge x 4 ridges of maize alternated with 2 rows of soybean with the application of NPK at 100:50:50. The LER was 1.11, AYL (1.10) and MAI (208) gave a profit of ₦312,102.00 (US$990.80) ha-1 with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.38 and production efficiency of 29.56%. The study concluded that, seeding 80% maize and 20% soybean per ha will lead to sustainable maize crop production with limited use of fertilizer. It can be adopted by the farmers in Nigeria savannas as a relatively profitable intercropping system. Keywords: Maize production, Ideal location, Fertilizer rate, Competitive indices, Savanna ecologies, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-230
Author(s):  
Felix O Takim

ABSTRACT Maize–sweet potato intercropping often results in weed suppression and increased crop productivity. This study was designed to determine the appropriate planting time and optimal density of sweet potato in a maize-sweet potato intercropping system that will minimize weed infestation and improve yield of the component crops in a drought-prone southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria. The experiment was laid as a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement and 3 replications in 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. The main plots were planting time (May, June and July) while the sub-plots consisted of 3 maize-sweet potato intercropping populations(maize at 53,333 plants/ha + 33,333 plants/ha of sweet potato, maize at 53,333 plants/ha + 66,666 plants/ha of sweet potato and maize at 53,333 plants/ha +99,999plants/ha of sweet potato), sole maize at 53,333 plants/ha and sole sweet potato at 33,333 plants/ha. The results revealed that, 7 weed species were the most prevalent and there was inconsistent effect of planting date on weed flushes while weed smothering efficiency of intercropping was between 31 to 49 % and 48 to 73% for weed density and weed biomass, respectively. Intercropping resulted in land equivalent ratios (LER) of 1.29 to 1.74 while the competitive ability of maize was increased with an increase in sweet potato density. Planting in the month of June had significantly higher tuber yield of 9.56 t/ha of sweet potato and maize grain yield of 3.28 t/ha while intercropping 33,333 plants/ha of sweet potato (1 vine of sweet potato planted at 0.40m apart on the ridge and 0.75m between ridges) and maize at 53,333 plants/ha (0.25m x 0.75m) gave an intercrop yield of 7.32 t/ha tubers and 3.46 t/ha grain yield with highest LER of 1.74, a net profit of ₦566,435.00 and benefit cost ratio of 1.44 was relatively similar to sole sweet potato. Therefore, the above intercropping pattern established in the month of June will minimize weed infestation and improve productivity of maize and sweet potato in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Alhassan Bawa

Background and Objective. Maize is one of the oldest cultivated crops. It is the third most important cereal after wheat and rice globally. Compared to all other cereals, maize has the highest average yield per unit area. The objective of the research was to evaluate maize varietal response to different nitrogen fertilizer rates. Materials and Methods. The treatment consisted of two factors, namely six varieties of maize and four levels of nitrogen application rates. These were arranged in 6 × 4 factorial combinations and laid out using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The data collected were subjected to combined analysis for variation in factorial experiments in RCBD using Genstat statistical package edition 18. The means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% probability level. Results. The study revealed that varieties, such as IWD-C3-SYN-F2 and OBATAMPA, produced the highest grain yield and growth parameters (agronomic traits) relative to other varieties. The maximum grain yield and biomass production also occurred at the nitrogen application rates of 90 and 120 kg N/ha. Conclusion. Varieties, such as IWD-C3-SYN-F2 and OBATAMPA, and N rate of 90 kg N/ha are, therefore, recommended to be used for maize production by the resource-poor farmers in the Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecology of Ghana.


2021 ◽  
Vol 70 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 76-84
Author(s):  
Lawrence Tatanah Nanganoa ◽  
Francis Ajebesone Ngome ◽  
Juliana Namein Ngong ◽  
Sone Kone Edigar Atache ◽  
Jeremiah Ndande Ebonlo ◽  
...  

Summary Declining soil fertility and low fertilizer use are the major abiotic factors limiting the maize production in Cameroon. Therefore, the design and introduction of appropriate fertilizer schemes, which would improve maize yields and provide incentives for smallholder farmers, are considered imperative. In 2018, a field experiment was conducted on the farm of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) in Ekona, the south-west region of Cameroon, to investigate the profitability and impact of inorganic fertilizers on maize production. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications and four treatments, using different fertilizer rates per hectare in each treatment (namely unfertilized control (T1), 50 kg urea + 50 kg N-P-K (T2), 100 kg urea + 100 kg N-P-K (T3) and 150 kg urea + 150 kg N-P-K (T4)). The results obtained indicate that all the maize growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves per plant, stem girth and leaf area) and yield components considered (cob length, cob diameter and test weight of 100 grains) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in T4 than T1. The grain yields recorded ranged from 4.09–5.88 t ha−1 and were also statistically (P < 0.05) higher in T4 than T1. The incremental income based on the fertilizer use was the highest in T4, followed by T3 and T2. The value cost ratio (VCR) was greater than 2 in all the treatments and was found to be highest in T2 (3.15), followed by T4 (2.52) and T3 (2.49). As T2, T3 and T4 did not differ statistically (P > 0.05), all the fertilizer rates considered were economically viable, but T4 provide the most cost-effective due to its higher grain yields and incremental income.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
MM Kamrozzaman ◽  
MAH Khan ◽  
S Ahmed ◽  
AFM Ruhul Quddus

The study was conducted to determine the yield and economic consequences of two cropping patterns viz. improved cropping pattern (Wheat-Jute-T.aman rice) and farmers, pattern (Wheat-Jute-T.aman rice) through incorporation of modern high yielding varieties and improved management practices for crop production. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with five dispersed replications in farmers’ condition in Faridpur during two consecutive years 2011-12 and 2012-13. Two years mean data showed that the improved management practices for the pattern provided significantly higher yield in Wheat, Jute and T.aman rice. The gross return (Tk. 265495/ha) and net return (Tk.123087/ha) of improved pattern were 9 % and 18 % higher, respectively compared to that of farmers’ pattern with only 3% extra cost. The higher benefit cost ratio, land use efficiency, production efficiency and sustainable yield index indicated the superiority of the improved pattern over the farmers’ practices.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(1): 93-100, June 2015


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (04) ◽  
Author(s):  
MANOJ KUMAR ◽  
D. J. RAJKHOWA ◽  
K. L. MEENA ◽  
RAKESH KUMAR ◽  
PATU K. ZELIANG ◽  
...  

On-Farm trail was conducted in Longleng district of Nagaland during the kharif season of 2014-15 and 2015-16 to find out the most suitable nutrient management practices viz. recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) 80:60:40 kg NPK/ha, locally available weed biomass (Eupatorium @ 10 t/ha) and farmers practices at farmers field of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Longleng, Nagaland. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Block Design. Result revealed that growth and yield parameters were recorded maximum under RDF and followed by Eupatorium @ 10 t/ha compared to farmers practice. The maximum grain yield (3590 kg/ha) was with RDF closely followed by weed biomass @10t/ha (3270 kg/ha) over the farmer's practices (2730 kg/ha), respectively. Grain yield was increased by 31.5 % in RDF and 11.8 % in Eupatorium @ 10 t/ha compared to the farmer's practices. Similarly, production efficiency was recorded the highest with RDF (28 kg/ha/day) followed by Eupatorium @ 10 t/ha (25.5 kg/ha/day) and farmers practice (21.3 kg/ha/day). With respect to economics, the maximum net returns and benefit: cost ratio (B: C ratio) were recorded with RDF (Rs.18850/ha and 1.91) as compared to other treatments. Economic efficiency was also noted highest under RDF (Rs.147.27/ha/day) followed by Eupatorium @10 t/ha (Rs.128.36/ha/day). Hence, it may be concluded that the farmer’s practices can be replaced with the adoption of RDF or locally available weed biomass (Eupatorium) as a source of nutrition for achieving the higher productivity and profitability of the lowland rice under the mid-hill altitude condition of Nagaland


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 500-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Izhar Ali ◽  
Asad Ali Khan ◽  
Fazal Munsif ◽  
Liang He ◽  
Aziz Khan ◽  
...  

AbstractNutrient management is a key component of best agronomic practices for optimal crop production. The continuous use of high yielding genotypes and exhaustive cropping systems has resulted in potassium deficiency. Furthermore, the imbalanced use of nutrients, particularly potassium (K), has resulted in persistent depletion from agricultural soils. To address this issue, a field experiment was conducted to determine the influence of different potassium levels under a split application on yield and yield attributes of wheat crops. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. Five K levels (0, 60, 80, 100 and 120 kg ha−1) and different K application timings (whole dose (Basal) at sowing, equal doses at sowing+ 30 DAS, half dose at sowing+ equal doses at 30 +60 DAS and equal doses at sowing+30+60+ 90 DAS). The findings of the study revealed that potassium levels and their application times substantially influenced yield and yield components of wheat. The application of K at 120 kg ha−1 delayed anthesis and maturity and enhanced chlorophyll content (53), tillers m−2 (293.4 m−2) and increased plant height (97.1cm). The application of K 80 kg ha−1 significantly increased grain protein, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content which resulted in a higher (4227 kg ha−1) grain yield. In the case of K timings application, the higher grain yield (3758 kg ha−1) was achieved when K was applied one time at sowing time. It is concluded that K at the rate of 80 kg ha−1 should be applied in full at sowing for achieving higher wheat production.


2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 479-490
Author(s):  
Md Rayhan Shaheb ◽  
Mahmudul Islam Nazrul ◽  
MJU Sarker

Global food and feed demands have been projected to double in the 21st century, which will further increase the pressure on the use of land, water and nutrients. To increase food productivity, production potential and economic returns, improvement of cropping system may play a vital role in this regards. A study was conducted to determine the economic consequences of two cropping patterns viz., ICP: Improved Cropping Pattern (Chickpea-T.Aus-T.Aman) and FECP: Farmer’s Existing Cropping Pattern (Fallow-T. Aus-T. Aman) through incorporation of modern high yielding varieties and improved management practices for crop production at farmers' fields of Sylhet during three consecutive years 2009-10, 2010-11, and 2011-12, respectively. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with six dispersed replications. The pooled data showed that the improved management practices for the pattern provided higher yield in T.Aus and T.Aman rice, respectively. The gross return and gross margin of ICP were higher compared to that of FECP with only 21% extra cost. The higher benefit cost ratio (2.20), rice equivalent yield (10.29 t/ha), production efficiency (27.36 kg/ha/day), land-use efficiency (91.32%) and sustainable yield index (0.41) indicated the superiority of the ICP over the FECP. Higher rice equivalent yield indicate that ICP is suitable in Sylhet region for increasing crop productivity and cropping intensity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v39i3.21991 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 39(3): 479-490, September 2014


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-58
Author(s):  
SS Tanu ◽  
P Biswas ◽  
S Ahmed ◽  
SC Samanta

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Field Laboratory, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali from July 2018 to November 2018 to evaluate the effect of sunflower residues and herbicides on the yield and economic performance of transplanted Aman rice. Weed control methods tested were T1 = weedy check (Unweeded control), T2 = Weed-free check by hand weeding twice, T3 = Pendimethalin, T4 = Pretilachlor, T5 = Butachlor, T6 = Pyrazosulfuron ethyl, T7 = Bensulfuron methyl + Acetachlor, T8 = Bispyriback sodium, T9 = 2,4-D amine, T10 = MCPA, T11 = Sunflower residues, T12 = Sunflower residues + 100% Pyrazosulfuron ethyl, T13 = Sunflower residues + 75% Pyrazosulfuron ethyl, T14 = Sunflower residues + 50% Pyrazosulfuron ethyl. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with fourteen treatments replicated thrice. Weedy check registered significantly the highest total weed density (354.67 m-2) and total weed dry matter (51.81 g-2) while weed-free treatment by hand weeding twice recorded significantly the lowest total weed density (6.67 m-2) and total weed dry matter 0.49 g-2) . Weedy check produced the highest weed index (34.24%) and hand weeding produced the lowest. Among different herbicides applied alone, butachlor had the lowest total weed density (15 m-2) and total weed dry matter (6.43 g-2) after hand weeding. Hand weeding recorded the highest grain yield (5.14 t ha-1) which was statistically similar to pendimethalin, pretilachlor, butachlor, bensulfuron methyl + acetachlor and sunflower residues + 100% pyrazosulfuron ethyl. Higher grain yield was attributed to a higher number of panicle m-2, number of filled grains panicle-1 and 1000-grain weight. The highest gross margin (22955 Tk. ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (1.32) were obtained from butachlor. Integration of sunflower residues with pyrazosulfuron ethyl produced effective weed suppression and satisfactory yield comparable to butachlor. Although the integration is less profitable than butachlor the farmers can use this technology as a feasible and environmentally sound approach in transplanted Aman rice field. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2020, 23(1): 47-58


2019 ◽  
pp. 61-67

Recognition of high yielding and nitrogen (N) fixing groundnut genotypes and desegregating them in the cereal-based cropping systems common in savannah regions will enhance food security and reduce the need for high N fertilizers hence, minimize the high cost and associated environmental consequences. Field trials were conducted during the 2015 growing season at the Research Farms of Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru-Zaria to assess the yield potential and Biolog- ical N fixation in 15 groundnut genotypes (ICG 4729, ICGV-IS 07823, ICGV-IS 07893, ICGV-IS 07908, ICGV- SM 07539, ICGV- SM 07599, ICGV-IS 09926, ICGV-IS 09932, ICGV-IS 09992, ICGV-IS 09994, SAMNUT-21, SAMNUT-22, SAMNUT-25, KAMPALA and KWANKWAS). The groundnut genotypes and reference Maize crop (SAMMAZ 29) were planted in a randomized complete block design in three replications. N difference method was used to estimate the amount of N fixed. The parameters determined were the number of nodules, nod- ule dry weight, shoot and root dry weights, pod, and haulm yield as well as N fixation. The nodule dry weight, BNF, haulm, and pod yield were statistically significant (P<0.01) concerning genotype and location. Similarly, their interac- tion effect was also highly significant. ICGV-IS 09926 recorded the highest nod- ule dry weight of 2.07mg /plant across the locations while ICGV-IS 09932 had the highest BNF value of 140.27Kg/ha. Additionally, KAMPALA had the high- est haulm yield, while ICGV-IS 07893 had the highest pod yield across the loca- tions with a significant interaction effect. The result shows that ICGV-IS 07893 and ICGV-IS 09932, as well as ICGV-IS 09994 and SAMNUT – 22, were the best genotypes concerning BNF, haulm and pod yield in the Northern Guinea and Sudan Savannahs of Nigeria respectively with the potential for a corresponding beneficial effect.


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
M A Mojid ◽  
G C L Wyseure ◽  
S K Biswas

Due to increasing scarcity of fresh water, use of unconventional water source (e.g., wastewater) in irrigation has now become important. However, inclusive information on the effects of wastewater on crop production and soil health is necessary for such intervention. This study was designed to evaluate these effects by demonstrating the contribution of municipal wastewater (hereafter called wastewater) on yield and nutrient requirement of wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.) cv Shatabdi. Five irrigation treatments - I1, I2, I3, I4 and I5  were tested in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications during November-March of 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010 at the experimental field of the Bangladesh Agricultural University,  Mymensingh. The treatments I2-I5 consisted of blended wastewater and I1 of fresh water (control). The ratio of wastewater to total irrigation water was 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 in I2, I3, I4 and I5, respectively. Wheat was cultivated with three irrigations and recommended doses of fertilizer in three consecutive years. Wastewater contained nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) @ 17.5, 3.7 and 10.3 mg/L, respectively, and irrigation by raw wastewater (I5) contributed 19.1, 15.1 and 21.7% of the recommended N, P and K, respectively. Biomass yield increased with increasing fraction of wastewater in irrigation. Grain yield increased for the wastewater fraction of 0.50 - 0.75 in irrigation but decreased when irrigation was applied by raw wastewater. Excess fertilizer (under I5) boosted up growth of wheat, but did not contribute to the grain yield. Number of grains per spike; and grain, straw and biological yields significantly (p = 0.05) increased due to the contribution of wastewater. Wastewater significantly improved grain and biomass production, with the largest value obtained in I4 (4.61 t/ha grain yield and 11.36 t/ha biomass yield).  Raw wastewater in combination with recommended fertilizer doses caused over-fertilization that contributed only in biomass production but not in grain production of wheat and irrigation by wastewater substantially reduced fertilizer requirement of wheat.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 01-14


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