Effect of Intercropping Dates of Lablab (Lablab purpureus L.) with Maize (Zea mays L.) on Forage and Maize Grain Yields

This study was conducted to evaluate effect of intercropping dates of lablab (Lablab purpureus L.) with maize (Zea mays L.) on forage and maize grain yields. It was carried out at Gereb Giba in Tanqua Abergelle district, Tigray, Ethiopia. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments and four replications were used. The treatments were sole maize sown (T1) and lablab sown at 10, 20 and 30 days after emergence of maize for T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Intercropping did not affect height and days for 50% flowering of lablab. Similarly, it was not affected height and days for physiological maturity of maize. Lablab forage yield was significantly greater (p<0.01) in T2 and T3 than T4. Maize Stover dry matter (DM) yield was similar among treatments while total forage DM yield was significantly higher (p<0.0001) in T2, T3 and T4 than T1. Moreover, among the intercrops, total forage yield was significantly highest (p<0.0001) for T2 compared to T4 but similar in T2 and T3. Maize grain yield was significantly superior (P<0.0001) in T2 and T3 compared to T1 and T4. Though, T2 and T3 had similarity in all parameters measured, T2 provided higher forage and maize grain yields than T1 and T4. Therefore, lablab intercropping at 10 days after emergence of maize is appropriate in Tanqua Abergelle district and other areas with similar agro ecologies.