MUNG BEAN STRAW INCORPORATION TO BOOST MAIZE GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of mung bean straw incorporation on maize growth and yield performance under arid conditions. Five treatments (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 kg ha⁻¹ of mung bean straw) were applied in a randomized complete block design. The results demonstrated significant improvements in maize growth parameters with increasing straw levels. Plant height increased from 150.2 cm in the control to 190.6 cm at 20 kg ha⁻¹ (27% increase; p ≤ 0.05). Similarly, leaf area index improved by 53% (from 2.15 to 3.30), and biomass yield increased by 35% (from 4800 to 6500 kg ha⁻¹). Grain yield showed a 42% improvement, reaching 6200 kg ha⁻¹ at 20 kg ha⁻¹. The highest harvest index (38.5%) was recorded at 20 kg ha⁻¹, indicating improved resource allocation. These findings suggest that mung bean straw incorporation at 15-20 kg ha⁻¹ can optimize maize productivity and soil sustainability in arid regions.