Vol. 8, Special Issue 6 (2023)

Author(s): P Dhamodharan, K Kiruthika and G Gunalarasi

Abstract: In the summer season of 2021, a research study was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Killikulam. The study aimed to investigate the impact of different fertilizer doses, in conjunction with varying levels of humic acid, on the growth and physiological characteristics of fodder maize (African Tall) and fodder cowpea (CO 9) intercropping. The research employed a randomized block design with 12 treatment combinations, each replicated three times. The application of 125% of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) in combination with enriched farmyard manure (FYM) at the rate of 750 kg/ha and 20 kg/ha of humic acid (HA), along with foliar spray of 1.0% Urea + 0.5% CaCl₂ (T₈), resulted in the most favorable outcomes for intercropping fodder maize and fodder cowpea under the paired row system. This treatment led to maximum plant height, highest number of leaves per plant, greatest number of branches per plant, enhanced dry matter production. The application of 100% RDF along with enriched FYM and 20 kg/ha of HA, combined with foliar spray of 1.0% Urea + 0.5% CaCl₂ (T₇), also yielded positive results. This treatment exhibited better physiological attributes, including agronomic growth rate, relative growth rate, and net assimilation rate at different crop growth stages. These findings suggest that the specific combination of fertilizers, humic acid, and foliar spray described in treatments T₈ and T₇ can significantly enhance the growth and physiological attributes of fodder maize and fodder cowpea intercropping. These results can be valuable for farmers and researchers aiming to optimize crop production in similar agroecological contexts.