Evaluation of Performance of Improved Cowpea Varieties in Cowpea-maize Strip Intercropping in Bela-Bela, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Background: Mixed intercropping is the commonly practiced cropping system but it is unproductive with a low return on investment. This study was conducted at the Bela-Bela region of Limpopo province, South Africa to assess the performance of improved cowpea varieties in a cowpea-maize strip intercropping in comparison with farmers’ traditional cropping practice (mixed intercropping). Strip intercropping is a novel productive cropping system and its productivity has not been tested in study region. There is a dire need to test the productivity of this important novel cropping system practice in the region. Methods: Five cowpea varieties (TVu 13464, IT86D-1010, Glenda, IT82E-16 and IT87K-499-35) and maize were planted under strip intercropping, monocropping and mixed intercropping as control treatments. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters and were analyzed using Genstat software 20.1. Result: Strip intercropping significantly improved the yield attributes and land equivalent ratio (LER) of the varieties as compared to the mixed intercropping. Strip intercropping significantly enhanced the grain yield and land equivalent ratio (LER) of IT82E-16, IT86D-1010, TVu 13464 and IT87K-499-35 as compared to Glenda. Adoption of strip intercropping and the high-yielding varieties will enhance crop diversity, food security, and nutrition in Limpopo Province.