Bewässerungs- und Entwässerungssystemtechnik

Effect of Intra-Row Spacing on Performance of Cowpea (Vigna unguciulata L. Walp) under Rain-Fed Conditions in Darfur, Sudan

Abstract

Khamis I, Fadlalla B, Tahir AM and Adar HM

A three year field study was conducted in Origamali area at Abga ragial Administrative unit, Belil Locality, South Darfur State Nyala City, during the rainy season in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The aim of this study was to test the effect of four intra-row spacing treatments (50 cm, 75 cm, 100cm and 125 cm) on cowpea performance. A completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications was used to identify differences between treatments. It was found that closer intra-row spacing had significant effect on plant density and plant height while it had no significant effect on survival rate, pod yield or seed yield. It is therefore suggested that, for seed and pod production under rainfall conditions in South Darfur, wider spacing may be a rational strategy for farmers as it does not lower pod and seed yield which is advantageous when intercropping is practiced. Further studies are needed to clarify the effect of wider spacing on pod and grain yield in farming systems that adopt intercropping.