Crop Response to Mineral Fertilizer, Vermicompost and Density in Cassava + Groundnut Intercrop

Abstract

In other to observe the effects of Eichhornia crassipes/animal manure-based vermicomposts on the growth and yield of groundnut planted sole and intercropped with cassava, a field experiment was conducted in the 2008/2009 cropping seasons in the humid rainforest zone of Southern Nigeria. Treatments consist of four nutrient levels (0 kg; 200 kg NPKMg 12:12:17:2; 40 tons water hyacinth/poultry manure-based vermicompost, VP; 40 tons water hyacinth/ cow dung-based vermicompost, VC), three cropping densities (50,000, 100,000 and 200,000 plants^-1)  and three cropping patterns (sole groundnut, sole cassava  and groundnut/cassava) intercrop, arranged in a 4x3x3 factorial , with a randomized complete block design. Results showed significant increase in plant height, leaf number, , and seed and haulm dry matter yield of groundnut with vermicomposts relative to mineral fertilizer and control. Vegetative and yield attributes of groundnut were depressed by intercropping with cassava at higher densities.  Eichhornia crassipes/animal manure-based vermicomposts were suggested for adoption as organic manure for improved crop performance.

Keywords: Eichhornia crassipes, nodulation, vermicompost, LEC, AHER