Evaluation of Forage Yield and Quality in Intercropping Patterns of Maize (Zea mays) and Cow pea (Vigna sinensis)

Mixture of cereals and legumes are extensively used for forage production. Thus, an experiment was conducted in Ramhormoz to evaluate the effect of different planting patterns of intercropping on dry matter production and forage quality of maize and cow pea. The experiment was based on randomized complete block design in three replications. Maize and cow pea were planted in two sole crops and three intercropping including within row intercropping (M1), alternate-row intercropping (M2) and mixed intercropping (M3). Intercropping composition was based on replacement design with the ratio of three cow pea to one maize. Results showed that intercrop components had complementary effect in environmental resource consumption including light and soil moisture and nutrients which resulted in increasing dry matter production in intercropping compared to sole crops. Forage quality of maize and cow pea, in terms of crude protein, was affected by intercropping where maize forage quality was improved in intercropping due to more nitrogen availability. Forage quality of cow pea decreased in intercropping because of reducing light interception and phosphorus uptake, and as a result, biological nitrogen fixation.