The growth characteristics and yield per unit area of two cultivation systems of forage, corn (Zea mays L.) monoculture and corn-cowpea (Vigna sinesis King) inter-cropping were compared and obtained follow results. 1. The two cultivation systems were not significantly different in leaf length, leaf width and length of internode with harvesting time. 2. The weight of stalk and leaves of a plant were decreased with maturity, while weight of ear was markedly increased. The patterns of relative ratio of each components was essentially same in each cultivation system. In corn monocrop., the percentages of stalk, leaf and ear at final harvesting stage were 22.9, 13.7 and 63.4, respectively. 3. Dry matter yield per unit area (33kgIlOa) of intercropped corn at yellow stage was similar to that of monocropped corn ( l,482.8kg/ 10a vs 1 ,SO8.9kg/ 10a). At ripe stage, however, the DM yield of intercrop. was higher than that of monocrop. (1,810.4kg/lOa vs 1,660.4 kg/ 1 Oa). 4. The same pattern was observed in organic matter yield.