DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2025.v13i12.010

Pages: 1640-1644

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of different maize-cowpea intercropping systems to control weeds and increase maize grain yield. To achieve this objective, a trial involving 11 maize-cowpea intercropping systems was conducted at an experimental site of Jean Lorougnon Guédé University in Daloa, from April to June 2024. These were: maize sown in double rows in association with cowpea on the same day (T1) or 15 days after sowing of maize manual (T2), T1 + Application of mineral fertilizer (T3), T2 + Application of mineral fertilizer (T4), maize sown in single rows in association with cowpea on the same day (T5) or 15 days after sowing of maize (T6), T5 + Application of mineral fertilizer (T7), T6 + Application of mineral fertilizer (T8), maize sown in a pure crop, free of weeds with application of fertilizer (T9), maize sown in a pure crop, free of weeds without application of fertilizer (10) and maize sown in a pure crop without application of fertilizer or weeding (11). The experimental design was a Fisher block with three replicates. Results showed that intercropping maize in single rows with cowpeas sown on the same day or two weeks later, and the various maize-cowpea intercropping systems with mineral fertilizer application, provided better weed control. The best grain maize yields were also obtained with these treatments, with the exception of a control plot that remained weed-free throughout the growing cycle with mineral fertilizer application. These results suggest that, in order to improve maize yields in Daloa and ensure food security, intercropping maize in single rows with cowpeas should be prioritized.