PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTIVITY OF COMPONENT CROPS IN LEGUME-UPLAND RICE INTERCROPPING SYSTEM AS INFLUENCED BY ZINC RATE

The application of zinc to some selected legumes (cowpea - Vignaunguiculata L. Walp., soybean – Glycine max Merr. or mungbean Vigna radiate Wilczek) intercropped with upland rice (OryzaesativaL.) may improve the presence residual nitrogen in cropping system andprotein in-take farmers faced protein and mineral deficiency, especially their daily food menu. Information on effect is inadequate. study investigated rate effectsonshoot status, grain yieldand productivity crop species sole intercrop rice. There were three separate trials laid out a randomised complete block design replications. Zinc (0, 2, 4 6 Kg•ha-1) applied trials. Intercropping exhibited high degree complementarity. On average, 2 Kg Zn•ha-1 gave highest total land equivalent ratio (LER 1.89) soybean/rice, followed by 1.64) mungbean/rice compared other rates.The cowpea/rice highesttotal gross monetary net returns (NR) but lowest benefit–cost (BCR) at same Zn rate.In intercrop,highest NR (₦263692:77•ha−1)and BCR(0.90) Zn•ha-1. Zn•ha-1in intercropping legumespecies enhanced financial systems.