Effects of Cereal-Legume Intercropping and Mulching on Maize (Zea Mays L.) Productivity in Dry Season using Drip Irrigation in South-Sudanian Climatic Zone of Burkina Faso
The availability and sustainability of water in rural areas are significant challenges facing agricultural producers in the Sahelian zones. Maize-legume intercropping with a mulch cover for water conservation with drip irrigation is a promising production practice for conserving water, increasing productivity and improving soil health. A randomized complete block trial with 04 replications and 08 treatments was established in Sonsongona (11.2522°N, 4.4559°W), a village located west of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Means separation by analysis of variance (ANOVA) was with RStudio 1.2.1335 software at the 5% threshold according to the Newman-Keuls test. The mulched treatments significantly affect soil moisture, maize growth, weed growth, and important maize yield attributes. Mulched maize plant height was not significantly greater than mulched treatments at 60 days after planting, but the average grain yield was 4,479.00 ± 39.70 kg/ha for maize + peanut + mulch compared to 3,288.00 ± 328.75 kg/ha for maize seeded without mulch or a legume. Overall, combined with legumes, mulching increased maize yield, conserved soil moisture, and helped control weeds. Combining mulch with legumes reduces weeding labor costs by controlling grass cover.
