Page 134 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

broadcasting, where seeds are scattered across the field, is easier but often results
in uneven growth, a higher seed rate and eventually, lower yields. It also makes
field management tasks such as weeding, pest control, and harvesting more
difficult.
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In pure stand planting, medium and long-duration varieties grow well when
spaced at 75 - 90 cm between rows and 60 cm between plants. Short-duration
varieties perform better when spaced at 40 - 60 cm between rows and 30 - 45
cm between plants. In both cases, seeds should be sown 2.5 - 5 cm deep in moist
soil. The recommended seed rate for pigeon pea varies based on the method
used. When pigeon peas are grown with other crops (intercropping), for example,
maize or groundnuts, spacing is adjusted accordingly. In maize intercropping,
maize is planted first in rows 75 cm apart, followed by pigeon peas two weeks
later at 90 cm intervals. When intercropping with ground nuts, pigeon peas are
planted first, and groundnuts later. Intercropping improves land use efficiency
and provides more stable yields, especially under stress conditions, compared to
pure stand cropping. It can also help reduce pests and weeds. Spacing depends
on factors like soil fertility and sunlight. Wider spacing suits poor or shaded
areas and aids weed control, while closer spacing increases plant height but may
lower individual plant yields. The recommended spacing is usually indicated on
certified seed packets or provided by agricultural extension workers. The spacing
guidelines for both pure stands and intercropping systems are summarised in
Table 8.1. Figures 8.3 (a) and 8.3 (b) show pigeon pea grown in a pure stand and
intercropped with maize, respectively.

Table 8.1: Recommended spacing for pigeon pea in different planting systems

Row spacing Plant
Planting system Additional notes
(cm) spacing (cm)
Suitable for drought-
Pure stand - long 75 - 90 60 tolerant, high-yield
duration
varieties
Pure stand - 40 - 60 30 - 45 Best for short seasons and
short duration early maturing types
Intercrop with 75 (maize 90 (pigeon Plant pigeon pea two
maize rows) pea interval) weeks after maize
Intercrop with 75 (groundnut 90 (pigeon Plant after groundnuts
groundnuts rows) pea interval) within the same ridges

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