Growth and Yield Responses of Pigeonpea to Variable Phosphorus Application Rates When Intercropped With Maize under Dryland Conditions

Fhatuwani Herman Nndwambi, Irvine Kwaramba Mariga and Funso Raphael Kutu
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Fhatuwani Herman Nndwambi: University of Limpopo, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
Irvine Kwaramba Mariga: University of Limpopo, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
Funso Raphael Kutu: Food Security & Safety Niche Area Research Group, Department of Crop Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus P/Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa

Journal of Agriculture and Crops, 2016, vol. 2, issue 12, 121-130

Abstract: An Agronomic field study was conducted at University of Limpopo Experimental farm, Syferkuil, over two summer growing seasons to determine the optimum phosphorus (P) rate and also assess the productivity of pigeonpea under intercrop with maize. Five P rates (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 kg P ha-1) were evaluated under sole and intercropped pigeonpea. Treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Results revealed that variable P fertilizer rates exerted significant effect on pigeonpea grain yield in both seasons. Highest grain yields of 922 and 1141.7 kg ha-1 under sole and intercrop plots, respectively, were achieved at 45 kg P ha-1 during first and second seasons, respectively. However, the predicted optimum grain yield of 734 and 1034 kg ha-1 based on the response model was achieved at 52.67 kg P ha-1 and 42.84 kg P ha-1, in the respective seasons. Intercropping achieved a significantly higher pigeonpea grain yield (+37%) during second year than sole cropping following P addition; with over 21% mean grain yield advantage across the two planting seasons. Hence, depending on the inherent soil-P level, application of 42-53 kg P ha-1 under pigeonpea/maize intercrop represents the range at which P is optimum for maximum pigeonpea grain yield and better returns for farmers.

Keywords: Grain legume; Intercropping; Pigeonpea P rate; Sole; Season. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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