ISHS Acta Horticulturae 123: VI African Symposium on Horticultural Crops
MIXED CROPPING OF YAM, TELFAIRIA, MAIZE AND OKRA IN A COMPOUND FARMING SYSTEM OF SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA |
| Author: | J.O. Uzo |
| Abstract:
The effects of intensive mixed cropping on the yields of yam and vegetable intercrops, maize, okra and Telfairia following a two-year Stylosanthes gracilis ley as a preparatory cover and major source of organic matter during the cropping period was studied. The objective was to see if there is any benefit from the different crop associations. The results show that only maize performed better when intercropped with one or two other crops. Its yield declined with the four crop-combination. Mixed cropping did not favour yam, Telfairia and okra. Under the four year cropping period, yam was relatively free of nematodes and yam beetle damage. The use of Stylosanthes gracilis as a cover seems to be beneficial in stabilizing yields of yam, maize, Telfairia and okra, particularly by its effect on the improvement of soil fertility. | |
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