Evaluating Intercropping Limitations of Cowpea (Vignaunguiculata L.), Pearl Millet (Pennisetumglaucum L.), and Maize (Zea Mays L.)

Abstract

Fodder scarcity is a main problem in boosting of livestock sector. Hypothesis was made in order to increase fodder yield per unit of land by intercropping of cowpeas, pearl millet and maize. Constraints and yield potentials of these three crops are essential before widespread cultivation at District Charsadda. Field experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Farm (ARF), Bacha Khan University, Charsadda. Cowpeas, pearl Millet and Maize were intercropped in simultaneous and alternate row allocations i.e. sole, 1:1:1 and 2:2:2 ratios in the field conditions. The trial was analyzed with RCB design having 3 replications. The field was thoroughly ploughed and leveled before commencing of research. For cowpeas 50 and 10 cm maintained respectively for row to row and plant to plant distance. For maize 45 and 22 cm was kept for row to row and plant to plant distance. Regarding Pearl millet 45 and 10 cm was kept for row to row and plant to plant distance. Fertilizer and irrigation were applied according to each crop need and demand. Before the experiment, soil analysis was performed for nutrition status of the soil. Results of the data indicated that sole maize 1000 grains weight was 358.43 g. And one row maize: one row cowpeas: one row pearl millet had a maize 1000 grains weight of 385.43 g. Sole maize biological yield was 17102 kg/ha. While in intercropping one row maize: one row cowpeas: one row pearl millet had a maize biological yield of 17874 kg/ha. In the sole cowpeas 1000 grains weight of 125.37 g recorded. While, one row maize: one row cowpeas: one row pearl millet had a cowpeas 1000 grains weight of 145.17 g. Sole cowpeas biological yield of 8830 kg/ha was obtained. While, one row maize: one row cowpeas: one row pearl millet had a cowpeas biological yield of 9940 kg/ha. Regarding pearl millet, sole pearl millet 1000 grains weight was 24.87 g. And one row maize: one row cowpeas: one row pearl millet had a pearl millet 1000 grains weight of 30.87 g. For sole pearl millet biological yield of 12465 kg/ha was recorded. And one row maize: one row cowpeas: one row pearl millet had a pearl millet biological yield of 13705 kg/ha. The findings of this study suggested that intercropping maize, cowpeas and pearl millet with alternate one row of each crop in the intercropping system can be a viable strategy for improving productivity and sustainability. This approach can optimize resource utilization, promote ecological interactions between crops, and enhance crop yields.