Production potential and quality of fodder maize (Zea mays) varieties under varying intercropping systems with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Abstract

An investigation was conducted during the zaid seasons of 2013-14 and 2014-15. Three fodder maize cultivars ‘African tall, J-1006 and local variety’ and cowpea ‘CL367’ were sown as sole crop as well as in intercropping systems consisting 16 treatments which were laid down in RBD. The results revealed that among the intercropping treatments, African tall intercropped with cowpea in 2:1 ratio recorded significantly highest green biomass yield which was found at par with African tall intercropped with cowpea in 2:1 seed mix and J-1006 intercropped with cowpea in 2:1 ratio. Similarly, dry matter yield was also found to be significantly maximum with African tall intercropped with cowpea in 2:1 row ratio which was at par with same intercropping system in 1:1 row ratio. Significantly the highest crude protein yield was observed with African tall intercropped in 1:1 ratio. The highest crude fibre and NDF yields were recorded in local variety intercropped with cowpea in 2:1 row ratio whereas significantly the highest ADF was recorded with local variety intercropped with cowpea in 1:1 mix.