Effects of Mucuna biomass and N-fertilizer on Striga hermonthica Del. Benth. infestation in maize (Zea mays L.)

1 SUMMARY Two Mucuna biomass management practices were evaluated, with and without inorganic N-fertilizer to determine the effect on Striga emergence and maize grain yield. The Mucuna biomass amended the soil particle size composition/distribution by reducing sand particles and increasing clay and silt. The pH decreased while total N, available P and cation exchange capacity increased by 50, 36 and 11%, respectively. Combining Mucuna biomass with N-fertilizer increased maize grain yield by 353% and 55% over Mucuna free and Mucuna unincorporated (leaving the biomass on soil surface), respectively. Significant (P < 0.05) responses to 60 – 90 kg N/ha were observed with increased maize grain yield from 1060 to 1187 kg/ha. The highest numbers of Striga stands (7/m) emerged in plots that had neither Mucuna nor fertilizer. These findings show that farmers can improve soil fertility; reduce Striga density and increase maize grain yield by incorporating Mucuna biomass with low rates of inorganic N-fertilizer.