Different tillage and maize grass intercropping on root systems, growth and yield of rainfed maize (Zea mays L.)

The study was conducted in a year period in rainfed area of Lampung province Indonesia. Objective of this study was observe the effect of tillage and maize grass intercropping in the rainy season to succeeding dry season on root systems, plant growth and yield of the rainfed maize. Three tillage methods (viz. no tillage, conventional tillage and deep tillage) and intercropping (viz. sole maize, maize + clump grass (Vetiveria zizanoides), elephant grass (Penisetum purpureum) and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) was tested in split plot design with three replications. The study obtained the results that lateral root distance, root dry weight and dry biomass were greater in maize intercropped than sole maize plots in all tillage methods. There had an insignificantly effect on yield due to tillage and maize intercropped. Maize could be intercropped with clump, elephant and lemon grasses without effect on the maize yield in succeeding dry season.