A. Abunyewa
Savannah Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 52, Tamale, Ghana
E. K. Asiedu
Soil Research Institute, Accra Centre, Accra
A.L. Nyamekye
Soil Research Institute, Accra Centre, Accra
J. Cobbina
CSIR Secretariat, Accra
ABSTRACT
During the 1996 farming season sprouted Gliricidia sepium seedlings were planted at three hedgerow spacing (alley width) to investigate the appropriate spacing, pruning height and phosphorus application rate that could improve and sustain soil fertility and increase crop production. The 3-hedgerow spacing (4, 6 and 8 m) was established as the main plot. Hedgerow spacing significantly influenced the quantity of Gliricidia biomass applied. In the farming seasons of 1997 and 1998 three pruning height (50, 100 and 150 cm) were imposed on the hedgerow spacing and three rates of phosphorus (0, 20 and 40 kg P ha ha-1 ) were applied. Maize (Zea mays) was planted as a test crop in the first week of June each year. Pruned Gliricidia biomass yield was in a decreasing order of 150>100>50 cm pruning height. In a good rainfall year as in 1997 the 4 m hedgerow spacing significantly out yielded the 8 m hedgerow spacing, while in a relatively low rainfall year as in 1998 the 6 m hedgerow spacing gave the highest grain yield. In both years maize stover and grain yield followed closely the amount of pruned biomass applied per treatment. Application of 20 kg P ha ha-1 resulted in significant increase in maize dry matter yield.
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How to cite this article
A. Abunyewa, E. K. Asiedu, A.L. Nyamekye and J. Cobbina, 2004. Alley Cropping Gliricidia sepium with Maize: 1. The Effect of Hedgerow Spacing, Pruning Height and Phosphorus Application Rate on Maize Yield. Journal of Biological Sciences, 4: 81-86.
DOI: 10.3923/jbs.2004.81.86
URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=jbs.2004.81.86
DOI: 10.3923/jbs.2004.81.86
URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=jbs.2004.81.86
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