Spacing effects of vetiver grass (Vetiveria nigritana Stapf) hedgerows on soil accumulation and yields of maize–cassava intercropping system in Southwest Nigeria

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
Between 2004 and 2007, studies were conducted at Ibadan in the humid region of Southwest Nigeria to evaluate the effects of vetiver grass hedgerows (VGH) on soil accumulation, bulk density, soil moisture content, infiltration characteristics, crop growth and yields. Plots were planted to cassava intercropped with maize. Soil accumulation by VGH serving as barriers to trap eroded soil was significantly affected by the spacing. Gravimetric moisture content increased with wider alley spacing and infiltration characteristics were improved in the alleys. Maize grain yields were significantly increased by vetiver alleys. Areas of land taken out of cultivation by grass increased with time. Thus, a balance needs to be struck between the number of hedges with respect to slope and the area of land left for cultivation.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2013, vol. 104, p. 120-126, nombre de pages : 7, Références bibliographiques : 26 ref.

Date :
2013

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena