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

nitrogen status of the soil (Balboné, 2013). Atmospheric nitrogen fixation also improves the nitrogen status of the soil (Barikissou, 2012). The improved growth of maize plants in combined legume and mulch treatments is partially explained by the recycling of leached nutrients (Espoir et al., 2013). Maize grew slowly on plots without mulch because of the rapid drying and moisture loss from unmulched plots, which increases soil strength and slows down the plant root development and slowing mineralization. The unmulched treatments had the lowest growth in plant diameter and height because of the reduced capacity of bare, legume-free soil to promote plant development. This reflects the importance of legume and straw cover. Moreover, for the diameter at the collar, the difference in mulch combined with legumes was more pronounced from the 30 th DAP onwards due to mulch deterioration and nutrient mineralization, leading to improved soil structure, resulting in better water infiltration. However, there was no detectable difference among treatments combining legumes with mulch and the mulch control alone. The nitrogen status of the soil improved plant growth. The application of urea on the 30 th DAP, improved the available nitrogen on plots without legumes. After this stage, there was no significant difference between treatments combining legumes with mulching and mulching alone. Overall, all maize plants showed good vegetative development. The drip irrigation system applied sufficient water, as explained by Millogo et al. (2021). Devroc et al. (1982) reported that excess water leads to reduced growth and delayed development of maize plants regardless of the stage at which it occurs. Effects of mulching and legumes on corn yield components The grain yields were below the variety's genetic potential, estimated at 5.1 t/ha (Sanou, 2009). This low level of performance could be attributed to external factors. Because the experiment was not conducted in a controlled environment, it is subject to climatic conditions that influence maize productivity. Some authors, especially Durburcq et al. (1983), have found a correlation between air temperature and female-flower initiation. This period corresponds to the ear placement and determines the potential for grain production. The high trend in the average number of grains per ear with mulch compared to bare soil would be due to the decomposition of the straw, which enriches the soil and improves its structure. Mulching creates favorable conditions for maize development by improving soil moisture. However, mulching and legumes did not have a significant effect on grain yield. This could be explained by the fact that there is no water stress in drip irrigation, and secondly, the effect of legumes on soil fertility is long-term. Our results vary from Kouelo et al. (2017), who found that maize grain yield increased from 1,020.5 kg/ha without cover to 2,138.17 kg/ha with cover. These results are also contrary to Roose (2015), who reported that reducing evaporation from the soil surface through straw mulch led to increased crop yields. Our work was under a drip irrigation system. Like Roose (2015), Masvaya et al. (2017) found that mulching combined with organic fertilization increased yield after two years of production. These authors pointed out that straw mineralization increases the amount of nitrogen available in the soil. Mulching tends to increase straw yield. This work showed an increase in soil moisture and an improvement in soil carbon content due to straw mineralization. These results are in line with those by Bougoum (2012), whereby the effect of mulching was more pronounced in monoculture than in intercropping. Results when including legumes were better than the control because of the improved nitrogen status of the soil from legumes. Legumes also cover the soil cover and increase soil moisture. Our findings are consistent with Salez (1988), who found that more efficient legume resources naturally lead to higher yields. The results are also in line with Lawane et al. (2010), who pointed out that legumes associated with cereals such as sorghum and millet gave better yields than pure crops. Similar results were reported by Azontondé (1993), stating that the maize-mucuna association increased maize yield. According to Azontondé (1993), the yield increases from 0.2 t/ha in pure culture to 2.8 t/ha in associated culture. Similarly, Pama et al (2018) found that mucuna cover improved maize yields. Mucuna limited the development of weeds, which reduced the competition between maize and weeds. Our results are consistent with Coulibalily et al. (2017a, 2017b), who reported that the crop association increased maize grain yield and that this increase was continuous. The high associated crop yields are explained by the planting date of the legume, which minimized competition during early growth. According to Fayaud (2012), early growth determines the effectiveness of crop association. Our results agree with Bougoum (2012) that mulching combined with crop association contributed to an increase in sorghum yield of 33 to 72%. Gbakatchetche et al. (2010) also reported that mulching the soil with pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajan L.) residues increases maize yield. V. C onclusion A 3 t/ha rice straw mulch conserved soil moisture in an ASMC drip irrigation system. Mulching improved maize plant growth and the number of grains per ear. However, inadequate mulching favored weed growth the soil was not completely covered. Legumes 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 d) 1 Global Journal of Science Frontier Research Volume XXI Issue VII Year 2021 13 ( D ) © 2021 Global Journals Version I