Effect of Intercropping on Growth Parameters, Chemical and Mineral Composition on Maize-Forage Legumes

Abstract

The study investigate the growth parameters, chemical composition, and mineral concentration of sole and intercropped Maize (Zea mays L.) with Mucuna (Mucuna pruriens), and Lablab (Lablab purpureus) using planting patterns of 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1 (maize:legume). The experiment was carried out at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Shika, Zaria. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three (3) replicates. The result showed that intercropping significantly (P<0.05) improved agronomic characteristics. Plant height (PH), leaf dimension, and leaf area index (LAI) of maize were significantly (P<0.05) higher in 1ma:2mu (201.79 cm, 821.61cm² and 3.10) compared to other treatments. The vine length, leaf length, number of leaves, and LAI were highest in sole mucuna (393.78cm, 19.54, 432.33, and 11.05 cm respectively). Dry matter of maize forage was significantly highest (P<0.05) in 1ma-1lb (94.75%), and comparable in other treatments. Crude protein (CP) of maize increased significantly under all intercropping arrangements compared with sole maize (8.81%), with the highest value in 1ma:2lb (15.43%). Ca concentration of maize was significantly highest (P<0.05) in the 1ma:2mu (3108.10 mg/kg) compared to 2ma:1mu (2846.30 mg/kg) and sole maize (1527.10 mg/kg). Phosphorus concentration of maize in maize-legume combination was highest significantly (P<0.05) under 2ma:1mu (908.93 mg/kg,). For the mucuna, 1ma:2mu produced the highest Ca and P (4920.40 mg/kg and 909.12 mg/kg respectively), while sole mucuna and 2ma:1mu have lower values. The study showed that intercropping maize with forage legumes significantly improved growth parameters, chemical and mineral composition of maize. Intercropping with 1ma:2mu combination is recommended for optimal agronomic performance and nutrient quality.