Effects of intercropping sunn hemp into maize at different times and densities on productivity under rainwater harvesting technique

Maize is a major food crop in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and its productivity affected by climate change-adaptive sustainable management practices. A 2-year field study (2019/20 2020/21 growing seasons) was carried out to evaluate the effect of sunn hemp ( Crotalaria juncea L.) living mulch on maize Zea mays production. Three planting periods were simultaneous with (P1), V15 growth stage (P2), R1 (P3) three densities 16.1 plants m ?2 (D1-low), 32.1 (D2-medium), 48.1 (D3-high). The intercrop components planted split-plot treatment arrangement as an additive series replications laid randomized complete block design under in-field rainwater harvesting (IRWH) technique. season conditions revealed significant differences rainfall distribution. Therefore, period had highly p < 0.001) effects biomass, LSD value 610.2 kg ha ?1 , showing that highest obtained P2 (2636.7 ) compared P3 (811.3 ). However, resulted grain yield penalty, yields follows: (2775.2 ), sole (3263.8 (3281.9 P1 (3287.8 yielded significantly 0.05) high-income equivalent ratio 2.09, indicating 109% advantage for increasing farmers' income integrating no-till area IRWH. are viable options smallholder farmers summer regions improve economic benefits.