Global Journal of Science Frontier Research, D: Agriculture and Veterinary, Volume 21 Issue 7

± 4.10 cm, MfRC: 82.25 ± 4.74 cm, MfRMb: 79.21 ± 1.18 cm and MfLf: 76.33 ± 6.31 cm). Combining legumes with maize did not significantly affect maize growth, but maize tended to be taller when mulched than in bare soil (MfLf: 76.33 ± 6.31 cm). At 60 th DAP, the average height of the maize plants ranged from 215.40 ± 8.42 cm (MfLf) to 242.30 ± 8.10 cm (MwRC) and 242.30 ± 7.75 cm (MwRMb). Mulching lead to greater growth (MwRP: 240.30 ± 8.86 cm, MwRC: 242.30 ± 8.10 cm, MwRMb: 242.30 ± 7.75 cm and MWLF: 242.20 ± 8.46 cm) than unmulched (MfRP: 220.60 ± 2.58 cm, MfRC: 223.60 ± 10.48 cm, MfRMb: 223.50 ± 6.34 cm and MfLf: 215.40 ± 8.42 cm). However, legumes (MfRP: 220.60 ± 2.58 cm, MfRC: 223.60 ± 10.48 cm, MfRMb: 223.50 ± 6.34 cm) had a significant effect on maize plant growth compared to bare soil (M: 215.40 ± 8.42 cm). In combination with mulch, cowpea (MwRC: 242.30 ± 8.10 cm) and mung bean (MwRMb: 242.30 ± 7.75 cm) gave a better effect on growth. However, no significant differences were detected. Table 4: Combined effects of mulching and legumes on maize height growth Maize height (cm) Treatments 15 DAP 30 DAP 45 DAP 60 DAP MwRP M 5.69 a 26.88 a 95.12 a 240.30 a SE 0.06 1.1 5.12 8.86 MfRP M 4.72 a 22.35 b 81.54 a 220.60 a SE 0.11 0.46 4.1 2.58 MwRC M 5.64 a 24.29 a 88.29 a 242.30 a SE 0.45 1.1 5.4 8.1 MfRC M 5.34 a 21.71 b 82.25 a 223.60 a SE 0.4 0.89 4.74 10.48 MwRMb M 5.52 a 24.75 a 97.17 a 242.30 a SE 0.28 0.98 7.77 7.75 MfRMb M 4.70 a 21.94 b 79.21 a 223.50 a SE 0.21 0.89 1.18 6.34 MWLF M 5.27 a 24.36 a 93.29 a 242.20 a SE 0.25 1.93 7.08 8.46 MfLf M 4.95 a 22.12 b 76.33 a 215.40 a SE 0.25 1 6.31 8.42 Freedom Degree 7 7 7 7 p-value 0.1 0.034 0.093 0.172 Significance NS * NS NS d) Effects of mulching and legumes on maize plant diameter The specific and combined effects of mulch and legumes on maize plant diameter growth are presented in Table 4. The values varied depending on the stage of growth. At the 15 th DAP, maize plant diameter values ranged from 0.46 ± 0.05 cm (MfRC) to 0.58 ± 0.04 cm (MWLF). The largest maize plant diameter tended to be in the mulched plots (MwRP: 0.53 ± 0.03 cm, MwRC: 0.48 ± 0.04 cm, MwRMb: 0.49 ± 0.05 cm and MWLF: 0.58 ± 0.04 cm). However, no significant difference was detected. At 30 DAP, plant diameter varied significantly (p < 0.001) from 1.90 ± 0.09 cm (MfLf) to 2.45 ± 0.10 cm (MWLF). The greatest plant diameter was with the MWLF treatment: 2.45 ± 0.10 cm. All plots mulched plots resulted in more growth (MwRP: 2.41 ± 0.01 cm, MwRC: 2.25 ± 0.08 cm, MwRMb : 2.31 ± 0.15 cm and © 2021 Global Journals 1 Global Journal of Science Frontier Research Volume XXI Issue VII Year 2021 8 ( D ) Version I Effects of Cereal-Legume Intercropping and Mulching on Maize ( Zea Mays L.) Productivity in Dry Season using Drip Irrigation in South-Sudanian Climatic Zone of Burkina Faso M: mean; ES: standard error; NS: non-significant (p > 0.05), *: p < 0.05. Numbers with the same superscript in the same column are not statistically different at the 5% threshold. MwRP: Maize with Rice straw combined with Peanut; MfRP: Maize free of rice Straw combined with Peanut; MwRC: Maize with Rice straw combined with Cowpea; MfRC: Maize free of Rice straw combined with Cowpea; MwRMb: Maize with Rice straw combined with Mung bean; MfRMb: Maize free of Rice straw combined with Mung bean; MwLf: Maize with Rice straw and Legume-free; MfLf: Maize free of rice straw and Legume-free