Intercropping compact Arabica coffee hybrid at establishment stages with food crops in Kenya. I: Effects on coffee growth, leaf water potential and leaf nutrient concentration in Kenya

The effects of intercropping young Arabica coffee hybrid (Ruiru 11) with various food crops on coffee growth, leaf nutrient concentrations as well as plant water status was investigated under Kenyan conditions. The study was conducted in Ruiru, Kenya, between April 1987 and March 1990. The food crops evaluated were dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Mwezi moja), maize cv. 511 and Katumani, tomatoes cv. Money maker and Irish potatoes cv. Annet. A sole coffee plot was also included. Intercropping systems involving maize significantly reduced coffee growth (stem height, stem thickness, length of primary branches, number of primary branches per tree, seedlings survival rate and leaf area expansion). Intercropping did not significantly affect coffee leaf water potentials and plant nutrient concentrations adversely when compared to the sole coffee.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	99507 Njoroge, J.M., 130309 Waithaka, K., 57535 Chweya, J.A.
Format:	biblioteca
Published:	2001
Subjects:	COFFEA, COFFEA ARABICA, LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM, PHASEOLUS VULGARIS, SOLANUM TUBEROSUM, ZEA MAYS, RAMAS, COMPOSICION QUIMICA, CAFE, CRECIMIENTO, HIBRIDOS, CULTIVO INTERCALADO, INDICE DE SUPERFICIE FOLIAR, HOJAS, TENSION DE ABSORCION, DISPONIBILIDAD DE NUTRIENTES, RELACIONES PLANTA AGUA, PAPA, PLANTULAS, TALLOS, SUPERVIVENCIA, TOMATE, KENIA,
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