Crop water requirements for optimum production of Okra in Okra/maize intercrop in south-western Nigeria

Abstract

This research work was carried out at the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan. Okra variety LD 88 was intercropped with maize.  Mean daily effective rainfall and mean daily evapotranspiration (ET) were computed using CROPWAT 8.0 based on the Penman Monteith method. Application of 125, 100, 75 and 50% ET was done thrice/week. Data collected were analysed with ANOVA using SAS 9.0 package. The highest yield of  maize (2.18t/ha) was obtained from 125% ET in okra / maize intercrop, while 50% ET significantly increased okra yield in sole crop. There appear to be conservation of moisture in intercrop by canopy cover which may be responsible for increased yield of maize in intercrop relative to sole. However, the  yield of okra was significantly affected by intercropping. Land equivalent ratio of between 1.19.and 1.36 for the different water application levels showed  that intercropping of maize and okra is compatible.