DOI: 10.36347/sjavs.2018.v05i06.011

Pages: 352-368

Abstract: The experiment was conducted under field conditions at Ngaoundéré and Bertoua, respectively in the Sudano-Guinean and Bimodal Forest zones in Cameroon and during the two consecutive cropping seasons of 2015 and 2016. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used and seven treatments: monocrop castor bean, soybean, cow bean and common bean; intercropping system castor bean-soybean, castor bean-cow bean and castor bean-common bean. Plants growing and production parameters was assessed. Comparison of the performance of each farming system was made on the basis of the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER). Results indicate that castor bean and Legumes productivity varies depending intercropping system, study zone and experimentation years. Castor bean seeds yield in intercropping with soybean, cow bean and common bean are 10.09, 13.52 and 17.88% folds greater than castor bean in monocrop. Castor bean is significantly (p˂ 0.05) more productive in Sudano-Guinean zone (seeds yield: 160.97±1.93 Kg/ha) compared to Bimodal Forest zone (143.76±2.05 Kg/ha) of Cameroon and inversely for Legumes. Castor bean and Legumes productivity is better in 2015 than 2016. LER varies from 1.05 in intercropping system castor bean-soybean in 2016 to 1.33 in intercropping system castor bean-common bean in 2015. Intercropping system castor bean-Legumes are advantageous for Cameroonian farmers. However intercropping castor bean-common bean is more effective compared to both castor bean-soybean and castor bean/cow bean systems. The Sudano-Guinean zone of Adamaoua Cameroon is more favourable for castor bean growth during Legumes growth in Bimodal Forest of East Cameroon better. By cultivating castor bean in intercropping with Legumes, Cameroonian peasants contribute not only to fight against climate change but also to ensure food security.