Effects of Mulching and Intercropping on Upland Taro

Abstract

Mulching and intercropping are old and established practices used by farmers for protecting crops from adverse conditions and increasing productivity. In this study, an upland taro field was prepared using commercial recommended methods of land preparation and intercrop and mulch treatments were established. Yields at harvest showed that intercrops do not adversely affect the corm yields of upland taro, variety Bun-long. Although differences in corm yields were not statistically significant, the increased yields of taro when intercropped with legumes indicate that added benefits from intercropping with beans and peanuts could be derived through their effects on soil fertility. Mulching with natural and artificial materials is greatly beneficial to upland taro. Yields of unmulched taro even when weeds were kept under control are lower than mulched taro.