EFFECTS OF INTERCROPPING WITH MAIZE ON THE MICROENVIRONMENT, GROWTH AND YIELD OF CASSAVA

The growth environment of cassava intercropped with maize differs from monocultures of cassava, A trial was conducted to determine the effec ts of intercropping with maize on micro-environment, growth and yield of cassava. Radiant energy reaching the soil surface and maximum diuma l soil temperatures were lower with intercropping, with the lowest val ues being observed in the fertilized plots, Similarly, soil moisture c ontent and earthworm activity were greater with intercropping, with th e highest values occurring in fertilized plots. Soil fertility, especi ally N, was lower in intercropping than in cassava grown alone, with t he lowest fertility occurring in non-fertilized mixtures, Intercroppin g with fertilizer application thus lowered exposure and temperature, a nd increased soil water and earthworm activity. Inclusion of maize wit h cassava increased plant height, reduced leaf area index and stem bra nching and diameter, favoured lodging, delayed bulking of storage root s and decreased nutrient uptake in cassava. The ability of cassava to compensate for impaired early growth after maize harvest depended stro ngly on soil fertility, especially the level of nitrogen.