Research Article
Olujobi OJ, Oyun MB & Oke DO
Abstract
Complete mixed root (CMR) method in a pot experiment was carried out to estimate N accumulation, growth and yield of maize in pigeon pea/maize intercrop. The experiment was conducted during two rainy seasons. N accumulated by maize through below-ground interaction increased steadily with N concentration range of 0.90% at 4WAP to 1.41% at 8WAP in the first trial, while in the second trial N accumulation over the same period ranged between 0.89% and 1.34%. N accumulation by maize through litter application (above-ground process) was significantly (p< 0.05) higher at the early growth stage for both experimental trials. Significant (p< 0.05) higher growth [height (151.36 cm), diameter (2.25 cm)] and grain yield (111.39 g) was obtained for maize with litter application. Generally, the study has established that intercropping tree legumes with cereal crop consistently and considerably increases N accumulation and yield of companion annual crop.