Koech.pmd

Abstract

Abstract Résumé Research Application Summary This study tested the hypothesis that inclusion of Desmodium spp. into maize cropping system under the push-pull technology enhanced crop growth and yield. Field trials were conducted in Siaya and Busia districts of western Kenya with the following treatments: two Desmodium spp (Desmodium uncinatum Jacq and Desmodium intortum Urb.) intercropped with maize, sole maize with urea (90 kg N /ha) and sole maize without urea and three Desmodium harvesting regimes (9, 12 and 17 weeks after planting maize-WAPM). Maize shoots/grain harvesting and sampling for mineral N (up to 120 cm) was conducted at 9, 10, 12, 13, 15 and 17 WAMP. Soils from both sites were acidic (pH < 5.3), had low N (<0.091%), very low available P (<3.78 mg P/kg) and moderate organic carbon (<2.42%). Establishment of Desmodium was slow during the first season and maize yield was affected drastically with the monocropped maize performing better during the first season. It was concluded that the intercropping system could benefit farmers only during later cropping seasons