Maize-legume rotation and intercropping

Maize-legume: Savings in Soil, Growth in Profit

This practice harnesses biological nitrogen fixation in legume roots, benefiting the productivity of rotated or intercropped maize crops. Assimilated nitrogen is transferred between the crops through soil processes. Mineral fertilizer application is highly efficient, and intercropping alleviates weed infestation, soil erosion, and run-off. Certain legumes reduce parasitic Striga weed infestations in maize, further enhancing crop health. Tall maize crops regulate soil temperature and improve water productivity.

This technology is TAAT1 validated.

7•8

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 7/9; level of use 8/9

Positive or neutral impact

Adults 18 and over: Positive high
The poor: Positive high
Under 18: Positive low
Women: Positive high

Positive or neutral impact

Climate adaptability: It adapts really well
Adaptability for farmers: It helps a lot
Biodiversity: It helps them grow and thrive
Carbon footprint: It reduces emissions a little
Environment: It makes a big difference
Soil quality: It makes the soil healthier and more fertile
Water usage: It uses the same amount of water

Problem

Nutrient limitation in subsistence farming systems: In subsistence farming, there is often a lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen in the soil, hindering plant growth and reducing crop yields.
High nitrogen fertilizer expenses in commercial farming systems: Commercial farmers face significant costs associated with nitrogen-based fertilizers, impacting their profitability and economic sustainability.
Weed infestation, leading to reduced crop productivity: Weeds compete with crops for resources, resulting in lower crop yields and making it harder for farmers to meet their production goals.
Pest and disease outbreaks impacting crop health: Pest and disease outbreaks can cause extensive damage to crops, affecting both quality and quantity, leading to financial losses for farmers.
Risk of hunger season due to crop failure caused by drought or pest attacks: Subsistence farmers are at risk of food scarcity if their crops fail due to factors like drought or pest attacks, which can have serious consequences for household nutrition and well-being.

Solution

Enhanced Soil Fertility through Nitrogen Fixation: Utilizes biological nitrogen fixation in legumes to enrich soil with essential nutrients, promoting healthier plant growth and increased crop yields.
Cost-Effective Nitrogen Management: Reduces dependency on expensive synthetic fertilizers by naturally fixing nitrogen from the air through maize-legume rotation and intercropping.
Natural Weed Control: Effectively manages weed growth by keeping more land covered and protected throughout the growing season, leading to minimized weed infestation and enhanced overall crop productivity.
Pest Resilience through Intercropping: Intercropping with specific legumes reduces infestations of harmful Striga weeds in maize crops, enhancing crop health and resilience against pests.
Risk Mitigation for Food Security: Cultivating two complementary crops on the same land reduces the risk of complete crop failure, ensuring a more reliable and balanced food supply, and contributing to enhanced food security for subsistence farmers.

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ROI: $$$ 0.5—1 tons

maize grain yields increase in yield/ha

30—70 kilograms

of nitrogen carried over from soybean to maize crops

IP

Unknown

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested

Countries where the technology has been tested and adopted
Country	Tested	Adopted
Benin	Tested	Adopted
Burkina Faso	Tested	Adopted
Cameroon	Tested	Adopted
Democratic Republic of the Congo	Tested	Adopted
Ethiopia	Tested	Adopted
Ghana	Tested	Adopted
Kenya	Tested	Adopted
Malawi	Tested	Adopted
Mozambique	Tested	Adopted
Nigeria	Tested	Adopted
Rwanda	Tested	Adopted
Tanzania	Tested	Adopted
Uganda	Tested	Adopted

This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.

Agro-ecological zones where this technology can be used
AEZ	Subtropic - warm	Subtropic - cool	Tropic - warm	Tropic - cool
Arid
Semiarid
Subhumid
Humid

Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.

Goal 1: no poverty

Goal 2: zero hunger

Goal 3: good health and well-being

Goal 13: climate action

Goal 12: responsible production and consumption

Select Compatible Varieties: Choose maize and legume varieties that complement each other in growth.
Prepare the Land: Clear debris, plow, and create well-drained beds.
Planting: Sow maize in rows, leaving space for legumes in between.
Weed Control: Keep the area weed-free, especially in the early stages.
Fertilize and Monitor: Apply nutrients as needed, and monitor for pests and diseases.
Water Management: Provide sufficient water for both crops.
Harvest Separately: Harvest maize and legumes when they reach maturity.
Post-Harvest Handling: Clean, dry, and store each crop appropriately.