EFFECT OF PIGEON PEA ALLEY ARRANGEMENT ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE IN INTERCROPPING SYSTEM
Olagunju John Olujobi1, Dele Olawumi Amujo1 & Faith Aladi Sale2
1Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti
2Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Kogi State University, Anyigba
E- mail: olujobioj@yahoo.com
Corresponding author: Olagunju John Olujobi
ABSTRACT
Field experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of pigeon pea alley arrangement on growth and yield of maize. Five (5) treatments; consisting of the following pigeon pea/maize row ratio (1:2, 2:2, 1:3, 2:3 and 0:3 row ratios) were arranged in completely randomized design in plots and replicated five (5) times. At two weeks intervals, starting from the fourth week after the planting of maize (WAP); maize growth parameters were measured. At maturity, maize cob was harvested and the yield was determined. The result shows that at 4 WAP, maize in 1:2 treatments has the mean tallest value (24.5 cm) while at maturity (10 WAP), maize in 2:3 treatment has the mean tallest value (187.7cm). Maize mean stem diameters and numbers of leaves in all the treatments were not significantly different (p < 0.05) up to 8 WAP. Mean total dry matter yield (180.52 g/plant) was highest in 1:2 treatment while maize in 2:2 treatment has the highest mean grain yield (75.11 g/plant). Correlation between maize yield components was positive for cob length (r= 0.465), cob weight (r = 0.476) and rachis weight (r = 0.516). Consequent upon the results from the study, 1:2 row arrangements was recommended for fodder production and 2:2 row arrangements for grain production by agro forestry farmers.
Keywords: Alley, growth, intercrop, maize, pigeon pea, yield,
