Summary
This field trial, conducted in Lamjung, Nepal, investigated the potential of legume intercropping (cowpea, French bean, soybean) and green leaf manure incorporation as low-cost alternatives to synthetic fertilisers for smallholder maize production. Using a randomised complete block design, the study assessed effects on maize performance and post-harvest soil nutrient status across five treatments. The paper contributes evidence on biologically based nutrient management strategies suited to resource-constrained farming contexts in South Asia.
UK applicability
The findings are of limited direct applicability to UK conditions given the distinct agroecological, socioeconomic, and policy context of smallholder Nepalese farming; however, the underlying principles of legume intercropping for nitrogen fixation and soil improvement are broadly relevant to UK arable and mixed systems exploring reduced synthetic fertiliser use.
Key measures
Maize grain yield (likely t/ha or kg/ha); plant height; cob characteristics; residual soil organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; possibly soil pH
Outcomes reported
The study measured maize agronomic performance (yield and growth parameters) under different intercropping and green leaf manure treatments, alongside residual soil nutrient properties following harvest. Comparisons were made between cowpea, French bean, soybean intercropping, and green leaf manure incorporation as alternatives to synthetic fertiliser.
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