Forage yield and quality of maize (Zea mayz L.) intercropped with groundnut (Arachis hypogea) in Northern Guinea Savannah

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of intercrop on quality and forage yield of maize (Zea mayz L.) and groundnut (Arachis hypogea) in Northern Guinea Savannah at the National Animal Production Research Institute Shika, Zaria, Nigeria. The experiment was laid in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) replicated 3 times. The treatments consist of five intercropping pattern (sole maize (M), sole groundnut (G), 1:1 M-G, 1:2 M-G and 2:1M-G). Forage yield, proximate composition, and mineral concentrations were determined at 14 weeks after sowing (WAS). Intercropping significantly (P<0.05) affected fresh forage yield of maize and dry forage yield of maize and groundnut. The highest fresh forage yield of maize and dry forage yield of maize and groundnut (20.33, 8.63 and 6.53 t/ha, respectively) were obtained at 1:2 M-G intercrops. The percentage proximate composition and fibre fractions were significantly (P<0.05) affected by intercropping. The crude protein and crude fibre ranges between 6.60 – 7.30 % and 19.46 – 22.81 %, respectively. Mineral concentration for Ca, Mg, P and Cu were significantly influenced (P<0.05) by intercropping pattern. This study reveals that intercropping maize and groundnut at 1:2 M-G ratio produced the highest forage yield and improved percentage composition of DM, CP and CF. Therefore, intercropping of maize and groundnut at 1:2 M-G planting pattern is recommended for farmers and livestock producers in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria.