Effects of Spatial Arrangements of Groundnut-Maize Intercrop on Growth, Yield and Proximate Composition of Groundnut

  • AJPAS AJPAS
Keywords: Spatial arrangements, Intercrop, Ash, Fibre, Protein, Yield

Abstract

Abstract Field experiment was carried out at University of Ilorin Botanical garden between May and August 2014 to evaluate the influence of different spatial arrangements on groundnut-maize intercrop and proximate composition of groundnut seeds. Experimental layout followed completely randomized block design with three replications. The spatial arrangements investigated were 3 rows of groundnut alternated with 1 row of maize (3:1), 3 rows of groundnut alternated with 2 rows of maize (3:2), 3 rows of groundnut alternated with 3 rows of maize (3:3), sole maize and groundnut. The results indicated that growth characters such as number of leaves and leaf area were enhanced in 3G:1M and 3G:2M spatial arrangement when compared to 3G:3M and their respective sole cropping. Yield was also enhanced in the intercrop compared to their soles. The 3G:3M produced groundnut seeds with increased percentage ash, fibre and crude protein with concomitant reduction of the fat and carbohydrate when compared to other spatial arrangements and sole groundnut. The results showed that 3G:1M and 3G:2M could be considered as appropriate spatial arrangement for enhancing the growth and yield of the intercrop. The study therefore recommends that field trials be conducted outside the University Botanical Garden with the participation of extension agents and farmers to ensure the adoption of the research outcomes.

Published
2018-11-23
Section
Articles