Effects of preceding maize (Zea mays) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in sole cropping and intercropping on growth, yield and nitrogen requirement of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Olasantan, F.O. (1998) Effects of preceding maize (Zea mays) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in sole cropping and intercropping on growth, yield and nitrogen requirement of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). Journal of Agricultural Science, 131 (3). pp. 293-298.

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Abstract

Field experiments were conducted on Alfisols in Nigeria between 1991 and 1993 to determine the residual effect of maize and cowpea on the growth, pod yield and N response of a succeeding okra crop. Cowpeas and maize were grown alone with 30 and 60 kg/ha of N, P and K, respectively, or intercropped with 60 kg/ha as a basal dressing. The preceding crops had a significant effect on soil nutrient changes, okra growth and yield, and N response of okra. Cowpeas increased the N, P and K status of the soil in both sole and mixed stands, compared with sole maize. Leaf area, pod weight and marketable pod yield of okra after sole cowpeas or the maize/cowpea intercrop were all significantly higher than after sole maize. Although the application of nitrogen (45 or 90 kg N/ha) to succeeding okra promoted growth and increased pod yield, this was not accompanied by an increase in the pod yield of okra after sole cowpeas or the maize/cowpea treatment beyond 45 kg N/ha. The beneficial effects of the preceding maize/cowpea intercrop on soil fertility, okra pod yield and amounts of N required for okra were partly due to the higher rate of basal nutrients applied as compared to the effects following sole cowpeas.

Item Type: Article
Author Affiliation: Department of Horticulture, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
Subjects: Plant Production > Production Practices
Plant Protection > Pesticides
Divisions: Maize
Depositing User: Mr B Krishnamurthy
Date Deposited: 08 Nov 2010 21:45
Last Modified: 29 Dec 2010 20:43
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0021859698005711
URI: http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/511

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