Fo. Olasantan et al., EFFECTS OF INTERCROPPING WITH MAIZE ON THE MICROENVIRONMENT, GROWTH AND YIELD OF CASSAVA, Agriculture, ecosystems & environment, 57(2-3), 1996, pp. 149-158
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.