Hedgerow Intercropping Maize or Cowpea/Senna for Drymatter Production in Semi-Arid Eastern Kenya
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Date
2011Author
Kinama, J.M.
Ong, C.K.
Stigter, C.J.
Ng'ang'a, J.K.
Gichuki, F.N.
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
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In a long term study photosynthetically active radiation was monitored for three rainy seasons to measure the effects of
hedgerow intercropping in rotation with maize and cowpea in a senna/siamea and panicumlgrass strip on biomass yield and light use
efficiency. Maize/cowpea intercropped with senna siamea or grass stripped were compared with sole maize and cowpea. A
ceptometer was applied to measure PAR interception by sole maize or cowpea or crop/tree and grass/crop interfaces and separation
of PAR used by each plant or tree/grass component. Hedgerow intercropping increased PAR interception and biomass formation. C4
plants had higher LUE than C3 plants while combining C4 and C3 in the agroforestry system lowered LUE. The tree/crop interfaces
increased PAR interception than at 1 m and 2 m away from the hedgerow. The row of maize or cowpea at 1m intercepted more PAR
than the row at 2 m from hedgerow while the cowpea row next to the hedgerow was depressed compared to the rows in the middle
rows which had higher yields. The maize or cowpea row next to the grass strip was more stressed than the rows in the middle of the
alley
Citation
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology B 1(2011) 372-384Publisher
Department of Meteorology, University of Nairobi Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Nairobi, Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi
Description
Journal article