The effect of intercropping maize with Stylosanthes hamata at different row spacings on grain and fodder yields and chemical composition

A comparison was made over 2 years in the savanna zone of Nigeria between maize intercropped at different interrow maize spacings with a legume, Stylosanthes hamata, and pure stands of maize and S. hamata. Intercropping reduced the yield of maize grain, especially when the distance between maize rows was increased beyond 50 cm. Fodder (maize stover + S. hamata) dry matter and crude protein yields were only slightly greater at wide interrow spacing of the maize. The reduction in maize grain dry matter yield with intercropping was greater than the increase in fodder dry matter yield obtained. It is therefore necessary to evaluate whether there is any longterm improvement in soil fertility with legume intercropping before the practice can be recommended under these conditions.