Maize-Tef relay intercropping as affected by maize planting pattern and leaf removal in Southern Ethiopia

Maize-tef (Eragrostis tef (Zuc.) Trotter) relay intercropping is practiced in parts of southern Ethiopia. However, the impacts of maize (Zea mayi L.) planting pattern and leaf stripping by farmers are not yet understood. The efficiency of maize-tef relay intercropping was assessed under different combinations of maize planting pattern and leaf removal. Planting pattern included broadcasting, 60 cm x 37.5 cm, 75 cm x 30 cm, and 100 cm x 22.5 cm, while leaf removal consisted of no leaf removal, leaf removal below the ear, and leaf removal below the ear plus two leaves removal at ten days interval. Tef was sown by broadcasting under the standing maize crop about 35 days from maize silking. Broadcasting and narrow inter-row maize spacing significantly (P<0.05) reduced grain yields of both maize and tef. Maize leaf removal below the ear improved tef grain yield without reducing maize yield significantly. Additional leaf removal above the ear significantly (P<0.05) improved tef straw yield but not grain yield. Leaf removal was accompanied by shortening of days to maturity of maize and tef. Improved performance of tef due to wider inter-row spacing and defoliation was associated with increased vigour and density. Land equivalent ratio values ranged up to 1.3, which indicated an acceptable level of efficiency for the cropping system.