Maize–sorghum intercropping systems for purple nutsedge management

Abstract

Intercropping is a viable option for weed management. Six maize–sorghum intercropping systems were compared in a two-year field study for the management of purple nutsedge. The intercropping systems included maize planting in 70-cm spaced rows intercropped with one row of dwarf or tall sorghum and maize in 105-cm spaced double-row strips intercropped with one or two rows of dwarf or tall sorghum; sole maize planted in 70-cm spaced single rows was used as a control. Two intercropping systems as maize in 70-cm spaced rows + one row of tall sorghum and maize in 105-cm spaced double-row strips + two rows of tall sorghum controlled purple nutsedge by 48 and 52% compared with the sole crop of maize, respectively. However, all the maize–sorghum intercropping systems decreased the maize grain yield compared with control. Maize planted in 105-cm spaced double-row strips + one row of dwarf sorghum was the best option because it reduced the maize yield by only 6%. However, the decrease in maize yield was compensated for by sorghum yield. Intercropping maize in 105-cm spaced double-row strips + one row of dwarf sorghum may be used for management of purple nutsedge in maize.

Keywords:

• allelopathy
• competition
• cropping system
• grain yield
• weed management