Effect of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) intercropping on weed biomass and maize (Zea mays) yield

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) density (0, 15 or 30 plants/m 2 ) and sowing date (15 days prior to maize sowing or simultaneously with maize), and of maize (Zea mays) planting density (7.5 or 9 plants/m 2 ) on weed biomass and maize crop yield. Results showed that increasing the maize density from 7.5 to 9 plants/m 2 reduced the weed biomass by 21.5%. Furthermore, cowpea acted as a living mulch, reducing weed biomass by up to 45.5% and 39.6% when intercropped with maize at a density of 7.5 and 9 plants/m 2 , respectively. Under weed-free conditions, an increase in maize density from 7.5 to 9 plants/m 2 resulted in maize grain yield increasing from 8.92 to 9.40 t/ha; however, the addition of cowpea only increased the maize grain yield by about 4.2%, on average, under these conditions. By contrast, under weed-infested conditions, there was a large decrease in maize grain yield (up to 32%), but intercropping with cowpea reduced this to only a 16% decrease. Under weed-free conditions, there was no effect of sowing date on maize grain yield; however, under weed-infested conditions, yield was greater on the second sowing date. Thus, it is concluded that the planting of maize at a density of 9 plants/m 2 and simultaneously intercropping with cowpea at a density of 30 plants/m 2 could be an appropriate control measure for weed suppression.

Intercropping of fenugreek as living mulch at different densities for weed suppression in coriander

“…Lack of available uncovered, inter-row spaces for weed establishment resulted in a severe reduction in the biomass of weeds. Many studies reported lower dry weights of weeds in systems that use cover crops because of covering the inter-row spaces (Teasdale and Mohler, 1993;Jamshidi et al, 2013). In the present study, weed infestation was generally reduced, as the density of cover crop increased ( Figs.…”

“…1 and 2). Previous research demonstrated that cover crop density influenced weed biomass (Jamshidi et al, 2013). Increasing crop densities lead to early closure of crop canopy and help to maximize crop competiveness (Monaco et al,Fig.…”

“…Plant density has been shown to be a main factor which changes the outcome of competition in plant community (Yousefi et al, 2012). In some cases, increased plant density leads to quicker canopy closure, increased crop interference and greater weed suppression, resulting in increased yields (Kolb et al, 2012;Jamshidi et al, 2013). However, high density of living mulch plants can lead to increases in competition for resource between living mulch plants and main crop.…”

Weed growth and nutrient uptake in organically managed rice and maize as affected by nitrogen management and live mulching with cowpea

“…Reduced weed growth observed under cowpea live mulch may be attributed to early growth of the crop and ground coverage which may have resulted in physical interference on weed seed germination and seedling growth and competition for light, water, and nutrients. Jamshidi et al (2013) and Talenneigi and Ghadiri (2012) also reported that cowpea live mulching greatly reduced the density and dry weight of the weeds.…”

Perubahan Komposisi Gulma pada Sistem Tumpangsari Padi Gogo dengan Kedelai di Lahan Pasir Pantai

“…Sistem tumpangsari dengan tanaman yang memiliki morfologi daun yang lebar seperti legume, mampu menekan pertumbuhan gulma (Eskandari dan Kazemi, 2011;Gharineh dan Moosavi, 2010;Khan et al, 2012). Jamshidi et al (2013) menjelaskan bahwa terjadi pengurangan kepadatan dan perubahan komunitas gulma di bawah tegakan tanaman sistem tumpangsari jagung (Zea mays) -kacang tunggak (Vigna unguiculata) akibat adanya penutupan tanah yang sempurna oleh tajuk tanaman kacang tunggak. Perubahan komunitas gulma terjadi selama proses pertumbuhan tanaman yang disebabkan oleh sinar matahari yang mampu menembus sampai ke permukaan tanah.…”