Effects of Cereal-Legume Intercropping and Mulching on Maize (Zea Mays L.) Productivity in Dry Season using Drip Irrigation in South-Sudanian Climatic Zone of Burkina Faso

Abstract

The availability and sustainability of water in rural areas are significant challenges facing agricultural producers in the Sahelian zones. Maize-legume intercropping with a mulch cover for water conservation with drip irrigation is a promising production practice for conserving water, increasing productivity and improving soil health. A randomized complete block trial with 04 replications and 08 treatments was established in Sonsongona (11.2522°N, 4.4559°W), a village located west of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Means separation by analysis of variance (ANOVA) was with RStudio 1.2.1335 software at the 5% threshold according to the Newman-Keuls test. The mulched treatments significantly affect soil moisture, maize growth, weed growth, and important maize yield attributes.