EGUSI MELON/KIDNEY BEAN INTERCROP

ABSTRACT

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of intercropped legumes; kidney beans and melon on the chemical and physical properties of soils in the University of Benin Experimental Farms, Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria. The field was laid out in a in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments replicated three times. The treatments consisted of kidney bean (K), Egusi melon (E) and Egusi melon and kidney bean (KE). The total experimental area measured 19.5m × 12.3m and each plot measured 4.5m × 2.1m. The soils were first tested before planting. Data obtained from the study were subjected to statistical analysis using ‘Genstat’ version 8 (2012) while Duncan New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) was used to separate the means at 5% level of probability. The results showed that Nitrogen, Total Organic Carbon, potassium, available phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and sodium levels all improved from the initial concentrations. Nitrogen concentration in the intercropped plots was significantly different from the other treatments. In all of these parameters but K, they also showed their best levels in the intercropped soils. Hydrogen and aluminium ion concentrations also reduced under the intercropped soils. pH on the other hand became more acidic under cultivation and was the most acidic in the intercropped soils. Sand, silt and clay levels all reduced in the intercropped soils. The researcher recommends, amongst others that kidney beans intercrop with melon can serve as a low technology management option for higher and sustainable soil productivity.