The effect of intercropping of lablab (Lablab purpureus L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) at different planting densities on In vitro and In sacco dry matter digestibility of napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum)

The advantage of intercropping is the more efficient utilization of the all available resources and the increased productivity compared with each sole crop of the mixture. If cowpea and Lablab intercropping with Napier grass its nutritional values was improved.

The experimental design was factorial combination arrangement in randomized complete block design with three inter and intra spaces (1 m * 0.5 m, 0.75 m * 0.5 m, 0.5 m * 0.5 m) and intercropping with two tropical legumes. Treatments were T1= Pure Napier grass at 1 m row spacing, T2= Napier grass intercropped with lablab at 0.75 m row spacing, T3= Napier grass intercropped with cowpea at 0.5 m row spacing, T4= Napier grass intercropped with cowpea at 1 m row spacing, T5= Napier grass intercropped with lablab at 0.5 m row spacing, T6= Pure Napier grass at 0.75 m row spacing, T7= Napier grass intercropped with lablab at 1 m row spacing, T8= Napier grass intercropped with cowpea at 0.75 m row spacing, T9= Pure Napier grass at 0.5 m row spacing and totally nine treatments were used. Soil samples were collected before and after forage harvested.

Napier grass intercropped with lablab and cowpea at different planting densities had significant effect (P<0.05) on the in vitro dry and organic matter digestibility (IVDMD, IVOMD) and increased digestibility. The OM degradation constant was significantly different (P<0.05) but ‘ED’ was not and for DM degradation ‘c’ and ‘b’ were non-significant (P>0.05) for Napier grass intercropped with lablab and cowpea at different planting densities. In conclusion, Napier grass intercropped with lablab and cowpea at a planting density of 24 plants m⁻² was better choice for high yield and forage quality.