INTERCROPPING AND N FERTILIZATION EFFECTS ON STRIGA INFESTATION, SOIL C AND N AND GRAIN YIELD OF MAIZE IN THE SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA OF NIGERIA

Millions of hectares devoted to cereal production in Africa were affected by Striga infestation across locations and time. A study was conducted in 2012 and 2013 rainy seasons at the Teaching and Research Farms of Niger State College of Agriculture, Mokwa and the Teaching and Research Farms of Federal University of Technology, Minna, in the Southern Guinea Savanna ecology of Nigeria to determine cereal / legume intercropping and N fertilization effects on Striga infestation, Soil C and N and grain yield of maize. The treatments consisted of four inorganic N fertilizer levels (0, 60, 90, 120 kg ha), alternate hill and same hill intercropping of Aeschynomene histrix. Intercropping maize with A. histrix has the potential of reducing Striga parasitism with about 33-47% with respect to Striga shoots per m and Striga shoots per plot thus, enhancing maize grain yield. The use of herbaceous legumes in intercropping contributed about 58% SOC and 52-57% reduction in number of S. hermonthica due to application of N using urea, thereby helping to control Striga infestation. Intercropping maize with A. histrix improved the soil organic matter and hence, the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil for good crop growth. Incorporation of the A. histrix residues substantially increased the soil N content. There was response to inorganic N fertilizer application, suggesting the need for N application to maize for optimum grain yield. Nitrogen rate of 60 kg ha was optimum for maize yield in the study area.