EFFECT OF STAKING HEIGHTS AND INTERCROPPING PRODUCTIVITY IN A YAM BASED CROPPING SYSTEM

Abstract

There is a dearth of information on staking height of yam and its intercropping potentials in Southern Nigeria. The study was therefore to evaluate the effect of different staking heights and intercropping productivity in a yam cropping system. Two field experiments were conducted in 2008 and in 2009. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete design with four replicates. Yam with different staking heights as treatments {1.5m (short), 2.5m (medium) and 3.5m (tall)} were intercropped with egusi-melon and sweet pepper (tatase). Yam and sweet pepper leaves were counted; primary vine length of yam and sweet pepper plant height were measured while the percentage (%) vine coverage of egusi-melon was accessed with a quadrant. The result of the study showed that the number of leaves and tuber of yam were (P < 0.05) higher in tall stakes than in medium or short staked yam. Pepper leaves and height were (P = 0.05) similar in sole crops or 2 crops association and were (P < 0.05) higher than leaves in 3 crops association. Weeds were (P < 0.05) least in sole egusi-melon plots and egusi-melon in crop association(s). RY was highest in sole crops while LER was highest in 3 crop associations. Association of 3 crops with high stakes produced the highest LER and LEC. It is hereby concluded that in Southern Nigeria, tall stakes in yam farms as sole or in crop associations are hereby recommended.