Growth and Development of Maize-Peanut Intercropped: An Assessment of the Effect of Organic Fertilizers

The main idea of intercropping is to improved productivity and a method to control weeds. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two by four factorial, (Factor A) maize (Zea mays) and Maize (Zea mays)-peanut (Arachis hypogaea) intercropped, and factor B application of different organic fertilizers, replicated three times, is used. The study aimed to determine the effect of various organic fertilizers (Goat manure, Chicken dung, vermicast) and the effects of intercropping peanut to maize on the growth and yield of maize. The results showed the number of leaves of factor A treated with vermicast has a significant effect. However, intercropping peanut to maize showed no significance among applications of organic fertilizers. For height, factor A applied with chicken dung revealed an appreciable interaction with maize-peanut intercropped. It means applying organic fertilizer (chicken dung) alone could significantly affect the height. However, intercropping of peanuts showed much higher than organic fertilizer application alone. For yield, sole maize appears no significant differences among treatments but, intercropping of peanut to maize, an additional application of chicken dung notably affects the harvest of maize. Conversely, there is no interaction between organic fertilizer with intercropping of peanut to maize in terms of yield. Intercropping of peanut to maize could significantly affect the harvest. Therefore, the intercropping technique has a beneficial effect on either crop or both with or without organic fertilizers.