EFFECT OF MAIZE AND COMMON BEAN INTERCROPPING PATTERN ON YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF INTERCROPS AND PRODUCTIVITY OF THE SYSTEM AT FAFAN, SOMALI REGION, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Intercropping is one of the intensive cropping systems which ensure sustainable utilization of limited land resources. Maize-common bean intercropping is often considered to be the best strategic cropping system to overcome the problems of adverse effects of shortage of rainfall. Cereal-legume intercropping is common in Ethiopia but intercropping of common bean and with maize (Zea mays L.) is a recent practice in maize based cropping system of many areas in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to to assess the effect of intercropped maize and common bean planting patterns on growth, Yield components and yield of the component of inter crops and to identify the appropriate maize and common bean intercropping pattern that can maximize the productivity of the intercrop system. Field experiments were conducted at Fafan research center during 2012. Seeding materials used experimental site was early maturing Maize Malkasa two and Common Bean Awash Melka with white colored. Treatments ware consisted of three inter row spacing (60, 75 and 90 cm) of maize and three intercropping (without and with one and two rows of common bean in maize) and sole common been arranged in randomized complete block design replicated three times. The plot size was arranged as 4.5 m x 3 m (12.15m2) with 1 m path in between each plot and 1.2 m space in between blocks. Results indicated that for maize, plant height, Thousands grain weight, grain yield, Stover yield and harvest index were significantly affected whereas Days to tasseling, plant physiological maturity, plant stand count at both initial and at harvest were not significantly affect at maize intercropped with common bean