Effect of intercropping, Bradyrhizobium inoculation and N, P fertilizers on yields, physical and chemical quality of cowpea seeds

Abstract

The present study was aimed to determine the effects of inoculation with Bradyrhizobium strain, intercropping, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization and their interaction on the yield, physical and chemical properties of cowpea seeds. The results showed that the seed yield of cowpea was significantly (P≤0.05) increased by Bradyrhizobium inoculation, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, but not by intercropping. All treatments of intercropping, P, Bradyrhizobium plus N and Bradyrhizobium plus P treatments significantly (P≤0.05) increased the hydration coefficient and cookability of cowpea seeds compared to untreated plants in both seasons. For chemical composition, all treatments significantly (P≤0.05) increased the dry matter, ash, protein and fiber content of the seeds compared to the untreated plants for the two systems and in both seasons, whereas it significantly (P≤0.05) decreased carbohydrate content of the seeds. Fat content of the seeds was not increased by Bradyrhizobium inoculation and intercropping, but it was significantly increased by nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization. Intercropping, Bradyrhizobium inoculation and nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization significantly (P≤0.05) increased tannin content and in vitro protein digestibility of the seeds compared to untreated plants for both systems and in the two seasons.

Key words： Bradyrhizobium inoculation; chemical composition; cowpea; intercropping; fertilization

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