Abstract
Advantages of cowpea were tested in terms of net N-input by cowpea mono-or intercropped with maize in a crop sequence where sparingly soluble P sources were added to the first year crop. The grain yield of maize grown after cowpea monocrop was doubled and the N uptake increased by 60% compared to maize following maize. The N-value of growing cowpea monocropped prior to maize monocrop was equivalent to the application of 50 kg N ha(-1) as mineral fertiliser. When maize followed a maize-cowpea intercrop, grain yield was increased by 67%. Around 34% of the N contained in cowpea residues was recovered in the following maize as estimated by N-15. There was however no benefit on the second season maize of applying sparingly soluble P sources to the first season legume.
Original language | English |
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Journal | African Journal of Agricultural Research |
Volume | 2 |
Issue number | 6 |
Pages (from-to) | 261-268 |
ISSN | 1991-637X |
Publication status | Published - 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cowpea
- Crop sequences
- Maize
- Nitrogen budgets
- Sparingly soluble phosphorus