Intercropping Alfalfa with Maize: Effect of Intercropping on Biomass of Alfalfa and Yield and Yield Related Traits of Maize

Field experiment was carried out at Mizan ATVET College demonstration field from March to April during 2008 cropping season in Bench district, Bench-Maji zone, Ethiopia to determine the effect of intercropping alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with maize (Zea mays L.) on yield and yield related traits of maize and on biomass production of alfalfa. Maize variety, Katumani was used for the experiment. Two intercropping patterns (broadcast and row intercropping alfalfa and maize) and three alfalfa cutting intervals (15, 20, and 25 days), two sole (broadcast and row) cropping of alfalfa and maize were set for the experiment and were laid in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results of this experiment showed that among the intercropping patterns and cutting intervals combinations, the combination with row intercropping pattern and alfalfa cutting at 25 days interval was found to be the best to the study district.