Abstract:
Growing maize (Zea mays) in association with legume tree in agroforestry arrangements has been
shown to increase yields in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, the stability of crop yields has
not been critically analyzed in the various cropping systems that integrate leguminous trees. The objective of
this analysis was to compare yield stability in improved cropping systems, namely maize-Gliricidia (Gliricidia
sepium) intercropping and fertilized monoculture maize, with the de facto practice of resource-poor farmers
who grow maize continuously without any external input. Yield stability was determined for three long-term
field trials (12-13 consecutive years) conducted at Makoka Research Station in southern Malawi and Msekera
Research Station in eastern Zambia. At Makoka, the most stable yield was recorded in maize-Gliricidia
intercrops. Average yield was highest in maize-Gliricidia intercropping amended with 50% of the
recommended N and P fertilizer, and this was comparable with yield recorded in monoculture maize that
received inorganic fertilizer. On the two sites at Msekera, the highest yield was recorded in fertilized
monoculture maize followed by maize-Gliricidia intercrops. However, yields were more stable in maize-
Gliricidia intercropping compared to fertilized maize on both sites at Msekera. It is concluded that maize
yields remain more stable in maize-Gliricidia intercropping than in fertilized maize monoculture in the longterm
although average yields may be higher with full fertilization.
