Effect of Nitrogen and Intercropping with Lablab Bean (Lablab purpureus) on Growth of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.) Under Two Irrigation Frequencies *

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2000/01 and 2001/02
winter seasons at the farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of
Khartoum, to study the effects of nitrogen and intercropping with lablab
bean (Lablab purpureus) on growth of fodder maize under two irrigation
frequencies using a randomized complete block design. Irrigation
intervals of 10 and 20 days were applied four weeks after planting.
Nitrogen at a rate of 0 and 88 kg N/ha was applied two weeks after
sowing. Planting methods were pure stand of maize, alternating rows and
alternating holes of maize and lablab bean. Nitrogen application
significantly increased, LAI in the second season. It reduced days to 50%
tasseling and silking significantly. Intercropping significantly increased
plant height and shoot dry weight in the second season, but reduced LAI
significantly during both seasons. Days to 50% tasseling and silking were
not affected by intercropping. Prolonging irrigation interval to twenty
days had no significant effect on most vegetative growth parameters;
however, it reduced days to 50% silking significantly. Plant population
was, also, not affected by irrigation intervals.