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Maize-bean intercrop response to nutrient application relative to maize sole crop response

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Abstract

Maize-bean intercropping is important in sub-Saharan Africa. Maize sole crop (MSC) nutrient response has been much studied but data is scarce for determination of intercrop functions. A procedure for adapting MSC functions for the maize-bean intercrop was developed. Maize sole crop and intercrop responses were near parallel with notable exceptions for P in high potential areas for maize and for K. Mean intercrop bean yield with no nutrient application was about 0.4 Mg ha−1 and increased on average by 24, 11 and −3% with N, P and K application, respectively. Response function coefficients for MSC adjusted with the ratio of bean to maize grain value as the dependent variable accounted for nearly all variation in intercrop response coefficients providing the basis for determining intercrop response functions from MSC functions. Maize grain yield equivalent was less with MSC compared with intercrop; exceptions were for response to N in high potential areas and for bean to maize value ratios of two or less. The economically optimal rate of N and P were on average about 15% more but less for K with intercrop compared with MSC but with inconsistency. The economically optimal rate ranged widely with variation in the cost of nutrient use relative to grain value but generally without great effect on yield; an exception was a great effect on MSC yield response to N for high potential areas. Intercrop nutrient response functions can be reliably determined once maize sole crop functions are determined for a recommendation domain.

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Abbreviations

CP:

The cost of using a fertilizer nutrient relative to the on-farm value of the maize grain on a ($ kg−1) ($ kg−1)−1 basis

EOR:

The nutrient rate giving maximum net return per ha due to nutrient application, that is the economically optimal rate

FURP:

Fertilizer Use Recommendation Project conducted in Kenya in the 1980s–90s

HP and LP:

High and low potential areas for maize production

MSC:

Maize sole crop

NwP, PwN and KwNP:

Responses to N, P and K with uniform base applications of some level of P, N and N plus P respectively

OFRA:

Optimization of Fertilizer Recommendations in Africa project

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Acknowledgements

OFRA is a partnership of 13 African countries, funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), managed by CAB International, and implemented with technical and scientific advisory support from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to enable great farmer profitability from fertilizer use. We acknowledge the contributions of researchers, support technicians and the farmers who cooperated in conducting FURP and OFRA field trials.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Kitale, P.O. Box 450-30200, Kitale, Kenya

    Keziah W. Ndungu-Magiroi & Mary Kifuko-Koech

  2. Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA

    Charles S. Wortmann

  3. KALRO-Kabete, P.O. Box 14733-00800, Nairobi, Kenya

    Catherine Kibunja

  4. Mlingano Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 5088, Tanga, Tanzania

    Catherine Senkoro

  5. KALRO- Kisii, P.O. Box 523-40200, Kisii, Kenya

    Teresa J. K. Mwangi

  6. KALRO-Muguga, P.O. Box 32-0902, Kikuyu, Kenya

    Dickson Wamae

  7. Selian Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 2704, Arusha, Tanzania

    John Msakyi

Authors
  1. Keziah W. Ndungu-Magiroi
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  2. Charles S. Wortmann
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  3. Catherine Kibunja
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  4. Catherine Senkoro
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  5. Teresa J. K. Mwangi
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Correspondence to Charles S. Wortmann.

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Ndungu-Magiroi, K.W., Wortmann, C.S., Kibunja, C. et al. Maize-bean intercrop response to nutrient application relative to maize sole crop response. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst 109, 17–27 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-017-9862-x

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