EFFECTS OF INTERCROPPING AND FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON WEED-CONTROL AND PERFORMANCE OF CASSAVA AND MAIZE

Intercropping cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and maize (Zea mays L .) can alleviate weed problems. The weeds which might otherwise build up before cassava covers the ground can be replaced by the cereal. The objective of this study was to determine effects of intercropping and fertilizer application on weed growth and crop performance in cassava and maize. Intercropping with N-fertilizer application gave the highe st leaf area index and light interception and hence the best weed cont rol, highest N, P and K uptake, total yields and land equivalent ratio . Intercropping with no N application made only a slight improvement i n leaf area index, light interception and weed control over the corres ponding sole cassava.