Effect of Corn and Cowpea Living Mulch Planting Pattern on Forage Yield and Weed Suppression after Harvest

To evaluate the effect of Corn and Cowpea living mulch planting pattern on forage yield and weeds suppression after harvesting of corn, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with nine treatments and three replications in Shush during 2019 growing season. Experimental treatments were included single-row corn on furrow, double-row corn on furrow, single-row corn in furrow, single-row corn on furrow+ single-row cowpea in furrow, single-row corn on furrow+ double-row cowpea in furrow, double-row corn on furrow+ single-row cowpea in furrow, double-row corn on furrow+ double-row cowpea in furrow, single-row cornin furrow+ single-row cowpea on furrow; single-row cornin furrow+ double-row cowpea on furrow. According to results, the best treatment in terms of corn forage yield and weed control after harvesting was single-row cornin furrow+ double-row cowpea on furrow pattern. The highest corn forage yield (30998 kg.ha-1), the lowest weed dry matter (26/3 g.m-2) and the highest weed smothering efficiency index (85%) gained from this planting pattern. Based on the results, application of single-row cornin furrow+ double-row cowpea on furrow planting pattern can be recommended to increase corn forage yield and weed control.