Effect of Pigeonpea Hedgerows on Soil Water and Yield of Intercropped Pepper Under Drip Irrigation

An alley cropping experiment was conducted to determine the effects of pigeonpea [ Cajanus cajall (L.) Millsp.] hedgerows on soil water and yield of intercropped pepper ( Capsicum a11nuum L.). Results showed that soil water content in hedgerow intercropping was generally higher than the control (no hedgerows) which was attributed to the combined effects of low evapotranspiration, reduced wind speed and green manure mulch. In spite of high soil water content and low evapotranspiration, total water use in hedgerow intercropping was slightly higher than the control. Low pepper plant population due to intercropping and the combined effects of partial shading by hedgerows and competition for soil water resulted in significant (P< .01) yield reduction of intercropped peppers ranging from 48 to 58%. These results indicate that alley cropping pigeonpea with vegetable crops has some limitations even with irrigation in the semi-arid tropics. However, its positive effect on microclimate and soil may lead to long term benefits for vegetable crop production in the semi-arid tropics