Mixed cropping of sorghum and legumes on sorghum’s growth characteristics

Field research was conducted through the mixed cropping system of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) with Indigofera (Indigofera Sp) and lamtoro (Leucaena leucocepala) on dry land. The research was to evaluate the growth characteristics of sorghum, on randomized block design with 4 treatments and 4 replications each. The treatments were: P1(control)); P2 (Sorghum+30 gN/m2) ; P3 (Sorghum+Indigofera); and P4 (Sorghum+Lamtoro). The height of the plants, the diameter of the stems, the number of the leaves, chlorophyll, and the leaf area of the sorghum were measured. Sorghum measurements were carried out on days 35 and 70 respectively. Data of sorghum were recorded randomly on 24 plants for P1 and P2 and 18 plants for P3 and P4 from each treatment plot, respectively. The results showed that the treatments of P1, P2, P3, and P4 were not significantly affected (P>0.05) on all the parameters on day 35and 70 except in chlorophyll (on day 35), plant height, and leaf area (on day 70). In all the parameters, P2 showed a higher value than P1, P3, and P4. Especially on day 70, for P2 of which the input of nitrogen through the provision of urea fertilizer had a better effect on plant height and leaf area. In a mixed cropping plot, sorghum height at P3 was higher than P4 (P=0.71). The growth characteristic was better in pure stands than that in the mixed cropping system. The mixed cropping system of sorghum and legume has the opportunity to be developed further, apart from the similarity of growth characters with monoculture plots (P1 and P2). Two types of forage (sorghum and legumes) were able to grow in one planting area so that they can be used by the livestock, as a source of crude fiber (sorghum) and as a source of protein (legumes).