Intercropping Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Sweetcorn/chilli pepper intercropping is commonly applied to increase yield and profit by farmers in West Java, Indonesia. Methodology: An experiment was set up in Kutamandiri-Sumedang, West Java from January up to April, 2015 to select... more

Sweetcorn/chilli pepper intercropping is commonly applied to increase yield and profit by farmers in West Java, Indonesia. Methodology: An experiment was set up in Kutamandiri-Sumedang, West Java from January up to April, 2015 to select new sweetcorn hybrid and their parental lines for intercropping with chilli pepper. To evaluate the genetic materials, they were arranged by split plot design. This was replicated twice with the main plot consisting of four cropping systems, whereas, the subplots were 38 sweetcorn genotypes. Results: The result showed that parental line of MSR 17.2.3 is the best combiner for plant height, while SR 17 is the best combiner for maturity and ear weight per plant. The best combinations for high yield in both sole cropping and intercropping are MSR 12.6.7xSR 4 and MSR 25.5.1xSR 17. However, MSR 17.6.7xSR 17 were the best hybrid for intercropping based on land equivalent ratio, competitive ratio and stress tolerance index analysis. Conclusion: It is also identified that MSR 17.6.7xSR 17 was suitable for sweetcorn/chilli pepper intercropping for the following aspects including higher yield than sweetboy check variety both in sole and intercropping system, moderately level of competition ratio against chilli pepper, low tolerance index to chilli pepper and higher productivity in 2:1 sweetcorn/chilli pepper intercropping system

A field experiment was conducted to study the integrated nutrient management practices on yield components and production efficiency of cotton and soybean intercropping system in 1:2 row proportion during kharif 2015 Dharwad. The field... more

A field experiment was conducted to study the integrated nutrient management practices on yield components and production efficiency of cotton and soybean intercropping system in 1:2 row proportion during kharif 2015 Dharwad. The field experiment was laid out in randomised complete block design with three replications and twenty treatments. Results revealed that all the yield components like number of bolls per plant, boll weight, seed cotton yield and cotton stalk yield in cotton and number of pods per plant, seed weight per plant, seed yield and haulm yield in soybean were higher under sole crop, followed by 150% RDF for cotton and soybean intercropping system. However, the land equivalent ratio (LER), area time equivalent ratio (ATER) and cotton equivalent yield (CEY) were higher in 125% RDF for cotton and soybean intercropping system, which was on par with 100% RDF for cotton and soybean + vermicompost 1.25 t ha-1 + gliricidia 2.5 t ha-1. These treatments proved most optimum for better use of growth resources in intercropping system.

Field experiment was conducted in the consecutive two cropping seasons (2011-2012 and 2012-2013) to investigate Haricot Bean based farming system by inclusion of Stevia. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with... more

Field experiment was conducted in the consecutive two cropping seasons (2011-2012 and 2012-2013) to investigate Haricot Bean based farming system by inclusion of Stevia. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with five replications. The results showed that the yields of haricot bean were not significantly decreased with the increase of stevia population. Sole planting of stevia was superior to other intercropped treatments and produced 20035.3 kgha -1 , 41859 kgha -1 and 30947 kgha -1 above ground biomass yield (total of three harvesting cycle), 12439.47 kgha -1 , 26296.2kgha -1 and 19367.8 kgha -1 leaf fresh weight (total of the three harvesting cycle) and 3450.71kgha -1 , 7570.3kgha -1 and 5510.5kgha -1 leaf dry weight (total of the three harvesting cycle) in the consecutive two cropping season and the pooled mean respectively. The LER and MAI indicating the practice of intercropping of haricot bean with stevia was more advantageous than the conventional m...

Field experiment was carried out during the 2017-18 cropping season at Kako, Bena-Ttsemay woreda, South Omo zone, Southern Ethiopia to determine the effect of intercropping of maize and cowpea on the yield, land use efficiency and... more

Field experiment was carried out during the 2017-18 cropping season at Kako, Bena-Ttsemay woreda, South Omo zone, Southern Ethiopia to determine the effect of intercropping of maize and cowpea on the yield, land use efficiency and profitability of both crops. The experiment consisted of 4 treatments (sole maize, sole cowpea, one row maize to one row cowpea and one row maize to two-row cowpea) and laid in RCBD in four replications. Intercropping of one row maize to one row cowpea and one row maize to tworow cowpea, resulted in 55.8% and 27.9% greater land use efficiency than for either crop grown alone. The highest MAI was obtained by growing one row of maize to one row of cowpea (11563.17) followed by one row maize to two-rows of cowpea (6783.50).Based on the present finding, intercropping of one row maize and one row cowpea more economic advantage than the other crop combination or grown alone. Therefore, intercropping of one row maize to one row cowpea is an advantageous to farmers in the study area since it would provide additional crop yield with the same piece of land and more profitable related to cost benefit.

Intercropping is the simultaneous cultivation of two or more species on the same field, during a growing season, in order to produce a greater yield, by making use of resources that would otherwise not be utilized by a single crop. The... more

Intercropping is the simultaneous cultivation of two or more species on the same field, during a growing season, in order to produce a greater yield, by making use of resources that would otherwise not be utilized by a single crop. The researches are focused on the productivity and yield quality of oat and two species of grain leguminous (pea – Pisum sativum L. and lentil – Lens culinaris L.), in intercropping, in order to evaluate their adaptability to natural conditions of South Romania and to organic cultivation. The experiment was carried out in 2007-2009 period, in Moara Domneasca Experimental Field, on reddish preluvosoil, in randomized variants, in 4 replications. The seeds used for experiments were organic. Oat and grain leguminous were sown in alternating rows (1 row of oat, 1 row of pea/lentil), at 12.5 cm between rows. A series of parameters were determined as follows: yield components, yield, land equivalent ratio and seeds quality. In average, the oat intercropped with ...

The competitive behaviors of maize–squash intercropping at different planting systems were studied at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Hathazari, Chittagong, Bangladesh during the Rabi season of 2016–17 to find out the suitable... more

The competitive behaviors of maize–squash intercropping at different planting systems were studied at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Hathazari, Chittagong, Bangladesh during the Rabi season of 2016–17 to find out the suitable planting arrangement of maize–squash intercropping for maximum productivity and economic return. There were seven treatments i.e. T 1 = sole maize, T 2 = 1 row maize (100%) + 1 row squash (6 plants/row), T 3 = maize paired row (100%) + 1 row squash (5 plants/row), T 4 = maize paired row (100%) + 1 row squash (4 plants/row), T 5 = maize paired row (100%) + 2 row squash (5 plants/row), T 6 = maize paired row (100%) + 2 row squash (4 plants/row) and T 7 = sole squash. Results revealed that the Maize Equivalent Yield (MEY) was highest (18.39 t/ha) in T 5 treatment, where Maize paired row (100%) + 2 row squash (5 plants/row) was consummated. The highest Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) 1.62 was found in T 5 treatment. Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) was also the highest (3.29) in T 5 treatment. Maize paired row (100%) and two rows of squash (5 plants /row) was the suitable row arrangement of the intercrops for judicious use of land consisting optimum populations of the component crops to produce more yield and economic profit.

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of intercropping spice crops (ginger and turmeric) on growth, physiological aspects and yield of elephant foot yam. Sole crop of elephant foot yam was grown and between the inter-row... more

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of intercropping spice crops (ginger and turmeric) on growth, physiological aspects and yield of elephant foot yam. Sole crop of elephant foot yam was grown and between the inter-row spaces ginger/turmeric was intercropped in single/double row planting. Spacing of 90 x 90 cm between elephant foot yam and 25 x 25 cm for intercrops was adopted. Growth parameters were recorded from sole crop of elephant foot yam. Maximum fresh weight (918.48 g) and dry weight of the plant (107.68 g) were observed in elephant foot yam with single row turmeric. Superiority in physiological parameters like leaf area index (1.88) and harvest index (47.09%) was recorded in elephant foot yam with single row turmeric and sole crop of elephant foot yam respectively. Remarkable variation was observed in the performance of elephant foot yam-spice intercropping system under sloppy foothills of Imphal East.

Sustainable agriculture seeks, at least in principle, to use nature as the model for designing agriculture systems. Since nature consistently integrates her plants and animals into a diverse landscape, a major tenet of sustainable... more

Sustainable agriculture seeks, at least in principle, to use nature as the model for designing agriculture systems. Since nature consistently integrates her plants and animals into a diverse landscape, a major tenet of sustainable agriculture is to create and maintain diversity. Nature is also efficient. There are no waste products in nature. Outputs from one organism become inputs for another. The death of one organism becomes food for other organisms. Intercropping offers farmers the opportunity to engage nature's principle of diversity on their farms. Plant spatial arrangements, planting rates, and maturity dates must be considered when planning intercrops. Intercrops can be more productive than growing pure stands. Many different intercrop systems are discussed including mixed intercropping, strip cropping, row and relay intercropping arrangements. Pest management benefits can also be realized from intercropping due to increased diversity. Introduction Sustainable agricultur...

A field experiment was conducted at College Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (India) to identify a suitable intercropping system for higher productivity and interrelationship of various growth and yield attributing traits... more

A field experiment was conducted at College Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (India) to identify a suitable intercropping system for higher productivity and interrelationship of various growth and yield attributing traits that determine seed yield of sesamum. The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with four replications and nine treatments viz., T1: sole sesamum, T2: sole sesamum (Paired rows at 30-60 cm), T3: sole sesamum (Paired rows at 30-30-75 cm), T4: sole green gram, T5: sole cowpea, T6: sesamum + green gram (paired 2:1), T7: sesamum + green gram (paired 3:2), T8: sesamum + cowpea (paired 2:1) and T9: sesamum + cowpea (paired 3:2). Correlation and regression studies indicated the significant relationship among various growth characters, yield attributes and yield. Results revealed that seed yield of sesamum was significantly affected and positively correlated with growth characters viz., number of branches/plants, dry matter accumulation and yield attributes viz., number of capsules/plants, capsule length, number of seeds/capsules, test weight. Sesamum equivalent yield was also significantly and positively correlated with available N, P and K status of soil. Regression equations showed the yield variations in seed yield of sesamum due to yield attributes to a great extent. Overall, it can be concluded that seed yield of sesamum and sesamum equivalent yield is significantly and positively correlated with growth and yield attributes.

Oil palm (Elaeisguineensis) is identified as the world's leading edible oil producing plant and well established as a perennial plantation crop in tropical countries. Economic life span of the plant is around 30-35 years and stand per... more

Oil palm (Elaeisguineensis) is identified as the world's leading edible oil producing plant and well established as a perennial plantation crop in tropical countries. Economic life span of the plant is around 30-35 years and stand per hectare is around 120-135 plants. At the initial stage of the plantations (age up to 3-5 years) there are ample amount of free space available inside young plantations. During this period growers were not getting any income from oil palm and have to spend several other agricultural practices such as weeding. Intercropping with young oil palm is possible and practiced specially by small and medium scale farmers with suitable combinations of crop species. Early identification, proper management of short and medium term intercrops gives better returns for the farmers. Furthermore, in addition to the advantages there were some limitations for intercropping with young oil palm.

An experiment was carried out to evaluate influence of different crop combination ratios of corn and soybean in terms of forage yield in corn-soybean intercropping. The experiment compared both corn and soybean as monocultures and in... more

An experiment was carried out to evaluate influence of different crop combination ratios of corn and soybean in terms of forage yield in corn-soybean intercropping. The experiment compared both corn and soybean as monocultures and in different intercropping ratios from 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 of corn to soybean. The crop combination ratio had significant effects on physiological traits and dry matter yield of forage. The ratio of 75:25 and 50:50 recorded DM yields similar to those of monocropped corn (14.77 t/ha). Relative yield total (RYT) values of intercropping were higher than that of monocrop corn and soybean. Mixtures with 50:50 combination ratio had higher mean total relative yield values (1.15) in comparison with the other ratios. Land equivalent ratio (LER) increased with corn-soybean intercropping and the highest total LER value was recorded with 50:50 ratio (1.13). The crop ratio of 50:50 gave the best combination based on DM yield, relative yield, LER of the combined forage.

Weed abundance in cereal-based systems has increased in recent years across sub-Saharan Africa for smallholder farmers (cultivating less than two hectares). Smallholders can employ numerous practices to control weeds such as intercropping... more

Weed abundance in cereal-based systems has increased in recent years across sub-Saharan Africa for smallholder farmers (cultivating less than two hectares). Smallholders can employ numerous practices to control weeds such as intercropping cereal crops with legumes. We conducted a review to identify the possible mechanisms responsible for weed control according to legume species, weed species and agroecosystem. In the review, we first present common weed species found in specific agroecological contexts. Then, we propose several legume in-tercrops that provide some control of these species and the reasons why. Finally, we highlight possible social and biophysical tradeoffs for cultivating legumes as a weed control practice in smallholder cereal systems. The review found that while many studies explained the effect a certain legume-intercrop had upon weeds (e.g., emergence rates), few identified the mechanism or mechanisms (e.g., increased predation) behind their control. Without understanding these mechanisms, it is difficult to propose management recommendations for inter-cropping (e.g., seeding rates). Furthermore, few studies have investigated how legume intercrops affect multiple components of farming systems, including the smallholders that cultivate them. Determining how these components connect and impose tradeoffs for smallholders unveils the drivers (or barriers) behind legume inter-cropping as a weed control practice.

Intercropping, the agricultural practice of cultivating two or more crops in the same space at the same time, is an old and commonly used cropping practice which aims to match efficiently crop demands to the available growth resources and... more

Intercropping, the agricultural practice of cultivating two or more crops in the same space at the same time, is an old and commonly used cropping practice which aims to match efficiently crop demands to the available growth resources and labor. The most common advantage of intercropping is the production of greater yield on a given piece of land by making more efficient use of the available growth resources using a mixture of crops of different rooting ability, canopy structure, height, and nutrient requirements based on the complementary utilization of growth resources by the component crops. Moreover, intercropping improves soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation with the use of legumes, increases soil conservation through greater ground cover than sole cropping, and provides better lodging resistance for crops susceptible to lodging than when grown in monoculture. Intercrops often reduce pest incidence and improve forage quality by increasing crude protein yield of f...

The field experiment was carried out at Cotton Research Station, Nanded during Kharif season of 2009, 2010 and 2011 to evaluate suitability of planting patterns which can facilitate increased intercrop population by flanking additional... more

The field experiment was carried out at Cotton Research Station, Nanded during Kharif season of 2009, 2010 and 2011 to evaluate suitability of planting patterns which can facilitate increased intercrop population by flanking additional rows and to access the feasibility of different intercropping systems in Bt cotton. The result of three years revealed that plant geometry of 120 x 45 cm was significantly superior over 180 x 30 cm for seed cotton yield and cotton + green gram recorded significantly highest seed cotton equivalent yield (2761 kg/ha). Farmers can harvest a larger yield proportion than sole crop of cotton on
one hand and obtain food ingredients without extra allocation of land.

A study was conducted to examine fodder yield and silage quality of maize (Zea mays L.) and climbing bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercropping with different planting structure. Maize was cultivated alone and intercropped with climbing... more

A study was conducted to examine fodder yield and silage quality of maize (Zea mays L.) and climbing bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercropping with different planting structure. Maize was cultivated alone and intercropped with climbing bean as follows;1 row maize to 1 row climbing bean (1M1K), 1 row maize to 2 rows climbing bean (1M2K) and 2 rows maize to 1 row climbing bean (2M1K). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with four treatments and three replications. The crops were harvested when the maize reached at milk stage and climbing bean at R7 stage. The results indicated significant increase in fresh biomass and dry matter production of maize fodder alone as compared to maize intercropped with climbing bean fodder. However, no difference (p>0.05) was observed in ether extract (EE), and ash (%) of nutrient composition of fodder among the four treatments After 45 days of ensiling period, silage samples were analysed for pH, organic acids (lactic, acetic, and butyric), ammonia-N(NH3-N), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na) and potassium (K). All intercropped silages had higher CP values (1M1K, 12.0%; 1M2K, 12.3%; 2M1K, 11.1%) than the monocrop maize (SM, 8.9%) silage. Higher organic acids and ammonia-N (p<0.05) were produced in the 1M2K silages as compared to others silages. The study showed that among all intercropped silages the 1M2K (1 row maize to 2 rows climbing bean) was preferable according to nutrient composition than other intercropped silages.

Dry direct seeded boro rice, grown in unpuddled and unsaturated/aerobic soil condition, requires only 50-60% water as compared to traditional flooded transplanted rice, and therefore it could be adopted as a water saving rice cultivation... more

Dry direct seeded boro rice, grown in unpuddled and unsaturated/aerobic soil condition, requires only 50-60% water as compared to traditional flooded transplanted rice, and therefore it could be adopted as a water saving rice cultivation system in boro season of Bangladesh. However, high weed infestation is one of the major constraints in dry direct seeded boro rice. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to study the feasibility of growing different leafy vegetables as intercrop in dry direct seeded boro rice for higher profitability and better weed suppression following a randomized complete block design with three replications. Four leafy vegetables viz., jute, gima kalmi, Indian spinach and red amaranth were intercropped with dry direct seeded boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan28) following three different rice planting patterns such as 50 cm spaced 2 row rice strip, 75 cm spaced 4 row rice strip, and 100 cm spaced 5 row rice strip. Sole rice was also maintained as control. The highest weed density and dry matter were found in Indian spinach intercropping with 50 cm spaced 2 row rice strip which was statistically identical with sole rice and some other intercropping systems. Performance of red amaranth as intercrop was the best in terms of weed suppression followed by jute. Rice yield was the highest (3.8 t ha−1) in sole cropping, and intercropping resulted in significant yield reduction. Although intercropping diminished rice yield, but increased net return and benefit cost ratio (BCR) as compared to rice sole cropping (net return 49,910 Tk ha−1 and BCR 1.58). Among the vegetables, gima kalmi performed the best followed by red amaranth in terms of yield. Red amaranth intercropping following 50 cm spaced 2 row rice strip resulted in highest weed suppression (32% less weed biomass compared to sole rice) while gima kalmi intercropping following 50 cm spaced 2 row rice strip showed the highest net return (2,20,340 Tk ha−1) and BCR (3.30).

Corn silage is an important feed for intensive ruminant production. Combining corn with legumes for silage is a feasible strategy to improve crude protein (CP) concentration in corn silage. This study was conducted to determine silage... more

Corn silage is an important feed for intensive ruminant production. Combining corn with legumes for silage is a feasible strategy to improve crude protein (CP) concentration in corn silage. This study was conducted to determine silage nutritive quality and fermentation profiles of corn grown in mixture with soybean at different crop combination ratio. In this experiment, corn-soybean combinations of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in addition to monocrops of corn and soybean were evaluated. The crop combination ratio had significant effects on nutritive quality and fermentation characteristics of silage. Silage quality in terms of CP (75:25 ratio 12.23%, 50:50 ratio 12.88% and 25:75 ratio 13.65%) was improved by intercropping compared with corn sole crop (9.91% CP). Increase ratio of soybean resulted in an increase in lactic acid and pH of the mixed silage. Sole soybean gave significantly higher lactic acid (3.57%) and pH of silage (4.33) compared to all other treatments but dry matter concentration was significantly higher in corn monocrop silage (34.34%) than other treatments. The propionic acid and butyric acid content of soybean monocrop and intercrops silage were in all cases higher than sole corn silage.

An experiment was conducted under dryland conditions at the University of Limpopo experimental farm, Syferkuil, in Capricorn district in 2009/10 and 2010/11 growing seasons to determine the effect of maize density and dry bean arrangement... more

An experiment was conducted under dryland conditions at the University of Limpopo experimental farm, Syferkuil, in Capricorn district in 2009/10 and 2010/11 growing seasons to determine the effect of maize density and dry bean arrangement on performance of a maize/bean intercrop. The trial was a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement consisting of ten treatments: three maize densities (18500, 24700 and 37000 plants/ha), and two dry bean arrangements (single and double row arrangement). Sole treatments were added to enable comparison of the performance of sole crops and intercrops. Maize density of 18500 plant/ha achieved significantly (P<0.05) lower maize yield than 24700 and 37000 plants/ha in both seasons. Intercropping with double rows of dry bean resulted in higher maize yield in both seasons. The Combination of 37000 plants/ha with double arrangement achieved highest maize yield in both seasons. Maize density of 24700 plants/ha produced higher dry bean yield than 18500 and 37000 plants/ha. The double row bean arrangement resulted in higher dry bean grain yield in both seasons. The combination of 24700 plants/ha and double row arrangement attained the highest dry bean yield in both seasons. Intercropping achieved LER values greater that one. Maize density of 37000 plants/ha with double row of dry bean gave the highest LER value of 1.76 in 2009/10 season while in 2010/11 maize density of 18500 plants/ha with double row of dry bean arrangement achieved the highest LER value of 1.92. Maize/bean combination of 37000 plants/ha maize with double row arrangement of dry bean is recommended. Get Full Article at: http://www.innspub.net/volume-6-number-6-june-2015-ijaar/

Past human populations are known to have managed crops in a range of ways. Various methods can be used, singly or in conjunction, to reconstruct these strategies, a process which lends itself to the exploration of socioeconomic and... more

Past human populations are known to have managed crops in a range of ways. Various methods can be used, singly or in conjunction, to reconstruct these strategies, a process which lends itself to the exploration of socioeconomic and political themes. This paper endeavours to unpack the concept of 'multi-cropping' by considering diversity and variation in the cropping practices of the populations of South Asia's Indus Civilisation. It argues that nuanced interpretations of the evidence provided by the combinations of crop seeds and weeds present in specific contexts and phases of occupation can reveal much about Indus cropping strategies, which in turn enables consideration of issues related to adaptation, intensification and resilience in the face of changing social, political, economic and environmental climates.

Intercropping is a practice in which two or more crops are grown in the same place and time. It is an ancient and commonly practiced method which usually aims to meet the crop demands more efficiently by facilitating proper utilization of... more

Intercropping is a practice in which two or more crops are grown in the same place and time. It is an ancient and commonly practiced method which usually aims to meet the crop demands more efficiently by facilitating proper utilization of the available resources. Intercropping is capable of giving greater yield on a given piece of land. Sugarcane can be selected as an important intercrops as it take about 90-120 days for full canopy development. It is intercropped with short duration crops during its early stages. Sugarcane + soybean cropping system is more profitable than cultivation of sole sugarcane. Selection of short duration intercrop, their minimum shading effect on sugarcane and no overlapping of peak nutrient demand of sugarcane with intercrop are key considerations for successful intercropping of sugarcane. Again the intercropping of soybean with sugarcane gave the highest possible values or profit only when 100% sugarcane + 40% soybean in one row. Paired row trench planting sugarcane with sole or intercropped with garlic gives highest cane yield. Therefore, sugarcane is considered as the most suitable crop to be intercropped with other crops to attain better yield and higher economic returns.

Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam during Pishanam season (November- March) of 2015 – 2016. Higher Plant height, dry matter production, yield attributes realised superior grain yield... more

Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam during Pishanam season (November- March) of 2015 – 2016. Higher Plant height, dry matter production, yield attributes realised superior grain yield and haulm yield with application of 75% N as inorganic fertilizer and 25% N as poultry manure (7160 kg/ha; 8090 kg/ha resp.) comparable with 25% N as vermicompost (6920 kg/ha; 7840 kg/ha resp.) and was followed 25% N as green leaf manure (6710 kg/ha; 7580 kg/ha). Higher physiological efficiency of 70.32 was attained when substituting 25% N as poultry manure and was followed by the same proportion of vermicompost. From the above results, it could be indoctrinated that application of 75 % of recommended N as inorganic fertilizer and substitution of 25% N either as poultry manure or green leaf manure is the desirable integrated nutrient management practice for achieving higher productivity under transplanted condition.

In Malawi, population growth has reduced opportunities for farmers to expand and cultivate new land. The country’s primary farming population is comprised of smallholders, many who cultivate monocultures of maize (Zea mays). To reduce... more

In Malawi, population growth has reduced opportunities for farmers to expand and cultivate new land. The country’s primary farming population is comprised of smallholders, many who cultivate monocultures of maize (Zea mays). To reduce negative outcomes from this practice, intercropping maize with legumes has been promoted. The sustainable intensification (SI) practice was once widely used, but has declined in recent decades. Little is known about the determinants of intercropping or its role in agricultural development. The objective of this study was to examine the drivers of intercropping among smallholders. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to estimate the determinants of intercropping based on a survey of 324 households. Smallholders who sold legumes were more likely to intercrop, contrary to literature positing intercropping as a practice primarily intended to enhance food security. In addition, complementary SI practices such as fertilizer, manure and compost application were more likely to have occurred on intercropped fields relative to sole maize fields. Furthermore, smallholder farmers appeared to apply more fertilizer to their intercropped fields relative to their sole maize fields. The study highlights the value of including field-level characteristics and household socioeconomic survey data to understand farming practices as a means to inform agricultural policy.

Agroforestry in the form of intercropping, boundary plantation, and home garden are parts of traditional land management systems in India. Systematic implementation of agroforestry may help achieve various ecosystem benefits, such as... more

Agroforestry in the form of intercropping, boundary plantation, and home garden are parts of traditional land management systems in India. Systematic implementation of agroforestry may help achieve various ecosystem benefits, such as reducing soil erosion, maintaining biodiversity and microclimates, mitigating climate change, and providing food fodder and livelihood. The current study collected ground data for agroforestry patches in the Belpada block, Bolangir district, Odisha state, India. The agroforestry site-suitability analysis employed 15 variables on climate, soil, topography, and proximity, wherein the land use land cover (LULC) map was referred to prescribe the appropriate interventions. The random forest (RF) machine learning model was applied to estimate the relative weight of the determinant variables. The results indicated high accuracy (average suitability >0.87 as indicated by the validation data) and highlighted the dominant influence of the socioeconomic variabl...

Intercropping systems can provide many benefits through increased efficiency of land and light use. The objectives of this study were to assess the main effects on a soil and plant growth of two arrangements of corn-soybean... more

Intercropping systems can provide many benefits through increased efficiency of land and light use. The objectives of this study were to assess the main effects on a soil and plant growth of two arrangements of corn-soybean in-tercropping. In a 1-year experiment at 2011, the following treatments were randomly assigned in a CRD to 16 plots located on a vertic Argiudoll from Argentina: sole corn (Zea mays L.), sole soybean (Glycine max L.), corn-soybean 1:1 intercropping and corn-soybean 1:2 intercropping. Nitrate levels were modified by treatments, but these treatments did not affect available P contents due to very high levels of this element during the whole cropping cycles. The practice of intercropping did not enhance water uptake by crops in relation to sole crops, as might be expected from complementary root systems and development timelines. Corn N status improved with intercropping probably due to an enhanced growth of plants and their roots, but soybean chlorophyll content was decreased by intercropping treatments. Yield and growth of corn were stimulated by intercropping systems, but this system depressed soybean growth, particularly at 1:1 corn-soybean ratio. Based on the remarkable dominance of corn crop observed at this arrangement, it can be concluded that a 1:2 corn-soybean ratio could be more beneficial in terms of more symmetric ecological interactions.

Intercropping cultivation of cereal-legume is the most common method in intercropping cultivation. In order to evaluation yield and yield components in intercropping of maize and green bean, an experiment was conducted as split plot... more

Intercropping cultivation of cereal-legume is the most common method in intercropping cultivation. In order to evaluation yield and yield components in intercropping of maize and green bean, an experiment was conducted as split plot design in completely randomized blocks with three replication in crop year 2008-2009 in Macco, Iran. The main factor included three density levels (D 1 : 60000 plants of maize + 200000 plants of green bean per hectare, D 2 : 75000 plants of maize + 300000 plants of green bean per hectare and D 3 : 90000 plants of maize + 400000 plants of green bean per hectare, respectively). The sub factor included five planting arrangements (R 1 : pure cultivation of green bean, R 2 : pure cultivation of maize, R 3 : intercropping %50 green bean + %50 maize, R 4 : intercropping %75 green bean + %25 maize and R 5 : intercropping of %25 green bean + %75 maize, respectively). The method used of from the mixture was based on replacement system. Examined traits in this study consist of maize and green beans yield in intercropping and pure cultivation in replacement system, compare the yield of pure and intercropping plant, land equity ratio, maize and green bean relative yield, relative crowding and dominance coefficient. Predicted and real of grain yields of maize and green bean at different density and planting ratio in pure and intercropping cultivation was showed that the highest intercropping yield in treatment D 3 R 4 with an average 15214.16 kg per hectare. For evaluation of intercropping, Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) and Relative Value Total (RVT) were calculated. The highest amount of LER and RVT were in treatment D 3 R 5 about 2.19 and treatment D 3 R 4 and D 3 R 5 about 2.61, respectively. As a conclusion, the mentioned combinations are economically advisable. In relation to competitive indices, the Relative Crowding Coefficient (RCC) and Agressivity was calculated. The highest RCC related to the maize with 1.36 was observed in D 1 R 5 treatment. Also, the green bean in D 2 R 3 treatment with 1.05 was indicated the highest RCC. The highest Agressivity in the maize with 4.30 in D 3 R 4 treatment was calculated whereas in the highest related to D 3 R 5 treatment was revealed in the green bean with 4.52. The Relative Crowding Coefficient and Agressivity were associated the maize in most treatments. Mısır ile Yeşil Fasulye Birlikte Yetiştiriciliğinde Verim ve Verim Bileşenlerinin Değerlendirilmesi Özet: Tahıllarla baklagillerin birlikte ekimi, ürünler arası yaygın bir uygulamadır. Bu araştırma mısır ve taze fasülyenin birlikte ekiminde farklı ekim sıklığı ve ekim desenlerinin verim ve verim bileşenlerinin üzerine etkisinin belirlenmesi amacıyla bölünmüş parseller düzenine göre tam şansa bağlı bloklar deneme deseninde üç tekerrürlü olarak 2009 ürün yılında İran'ın Makü şehrinde yürütülmüştür. Ana faktör üç farklı ekim sıklığı seviyesinden (D 1 : 60000 mısır bitkisi + 200000 taze fasülye hektar başına düşen, D 2 : 75000 mısır bitkisi + 300000 taze fasülye hektar başına düşen ve D 3 : 90000 mısır bitkisi + 400000 taze fasülye hektar başına düşen, sırasıyla) oluşmaktadır. Alt faktör ise beş ekim düzenlemesinden (R 1 : 100% taze fasülye ekimi, R 2 : 100% mısır ekimi, R 3 : %50 taze fasülye + %50 mısır birlikte ekimi, R 4 : %75 taze fasülye + %25 mısır birlikte ekimi ve R 5 : %25 taze fasülye + %75 mısır birlikte ekimi, sırasıyla) oluşmaktadır. Bu çalışmada mısır ve taze fasülyenin birlikte ekiminde farklı ekim sıklığı ve ekim desenlerinin verim ve verim bileşenlerinin üzerine etkisi, alan eşdeğer oranı (LER), toplam nispi değer (RTV), göreceli sıklık katsayısı (RCC) ve rekabet değerleri hesaplanmıştır. Varyans analiz sonuçlarına

Cereal-based forage production could be considered to have potential to supply great deal of energy-rich feed in animal diets. Experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of corn-soybean combinations of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in addition... more

Cereal-based forage production could be considered to have potential to supply great deal of energy-rich feed in animal diets. Experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of corn-soybean combinations of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in addition to monocrops of corn and soybean to detremine forage dry matter (DM) yield and quality in corn-soybean intercropping. The crop combination ratio had significant effects on dry matter yield and nutritive quality of forage. The ratio of 75:25 and 50:50 recorded DM yields similar to those of monocropped corn (14.77 t/ha). Forage quality in terms of crude protein (CP) (75:25 ratio 12.75%, 50:50 ratio 13.73% and 25:75 ratio 14.68%) was improved by intercropping due to higher nitrogen availability for corn in intercropping compared with its sole crop (10.83% CP). Increase ratio of corn in corn-soybean mixture, negatively affectd neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) of forage and declined with increasing ratio of soybean plants. Combination ratio of 50:50 gave higher protein yield (1886.45 kg/ha) than other crop combination ratio. Among all the combination ratios, the 50:50 corn-soybean ratio was the optimum giving highest forage yield, protein content as well as protein yield.

Maize yields in continuous maize production systems of smallholders in the Costa Chica, a region in Southwest Mexico, are low despite consistent inputs of fertilizers and herbicides. This study was aimed at investigating the prospects of... more

Maize yields in continuous maize production systems of
smallholders in the Costa Chica, a region in Southwest Mexico, are low despite consistent inputs of fertilizers and herbicides. This study was aimed at investigating the prospects of intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) and maize-roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) mixtures with the legumes canavalia ( Canavalia brasiliensis Mart. ex Benth) and mucuna (Mucuna pruriens var. utilis) for improving nutrient
uptake and weed suppression. Farmer-managed experiments were established in two communities in the region during 2006 and 2007 using randomized split-plot designs. Maize monocrops and maize-roselle intercrops grown with different sources of nutrients were intercropped with both legume species, sown 4–6 weeks after maize. Neither the legumes decreased yields of maize nor roselle, whereas they caused a reduction of the weed biomass by 24–55%. Total aboveground biomass returned to the soil increased up to 36% and total N, P, and K uptake was increased on average by 52%, 24%, and 30%, respectively. Legumes acted not only as a N-fixing crop, but also as a “catch” crop, preventing N and K leaching. With its prostrate growth habit and adaptation to poor soil conditions, canavalia demonstrated agronomic advantages in comparison to mucuna.

The study was conducted to determine influence of cowpea and soybean intercropping pattern and time of planting on yield and Gross Monetary Value (GMV) of sorghum. The treatments were included two legume crops, two time of planting, three... more

The study was conducted to determine influence of cowpea and soybean intercropping pattern and time of planting on yield and Gross Monetary Value (GMV) of sorghum. The treatments were included two legume crops, two time of planting, three planting patterns of legumes and sole crops (sorghum, soybean and cowpea). The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replication. Sorghum/soybean cropping system reduced sorghum grain yield by 23.9% where as sorghum/cowpea reduced by grain yield by 40.3%. The highest LER (1.55) and the lowest LER (1.19) was recorded in sorghum/soybean and sorghum/cowpea intercropping system. Highest gross monetary benefit (20561 Ethiopian birr) accrued from planting two rows of cowpea with the first weeding of sorghum in between the two rows of sorghum. However, it was at par with simultaneous planting of cowpea in double alternate plants within sorghum plants along with two rows of cowpea in between sorghum rows and two rows of soybean planted in between two rows of sorghum with first weeding of sorghum. Legumes crop soybean and cowpea should involved in sorghum cropping either simultaneously planting or sowing at first weeding or hoeing of sorghum.

Intercropping of cereals with legumes has been popular in humid tropical environments. In order to evaluation of yield on maize and green bean in various densities and arrangements of intercropping by replacement method, an experiment was... more

Intercropping of cereals with legumes has been popular in humid tropical environments. In order to evaluation of yield on maize and green bean in various densities and arrangements of intercropping by replacement method, an experiment was conducted as split plot design in completely randomized blocks with three replications in Macoo, Iran in 2009 crop year. The main factor included three density levels (D1: 60000 plants of maize + 200000 plants of green bean per hectare, D2: 75000 plants of maize + 300000 plants of green bean per hectare and D3: 90000 plants of maize + 400000 plants of green bean per hectare, respectively). The sub factor included five planting arrangements (R1: pure cultivation of green bean, R2: pure cultivation of maize, R3: intercropping 50% green bean + 50% maize, R4: intercropping 75% green bean + 25% maize and R5: intercropping of 25% green bean + 75% maize, respectively). The results of variance analysis showed maize grain yield was significantly affected by different arrangements of intercropping cultivation and in the green bean was affected by different levels of density. For evaluation of intercropping, Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) and Relative Value Total (RVT) were calculated. The highest amount of LER and RVT were in treatments D3R4 and D3R5 about 2.17 and treatment D3R4 and D3R5 about 3.16, respectively. As a conclusion, the mentioned combinations are economically advisable. In relation to competitive indices, the Relative Crowding Coefficient (RCC) and Dominancy were calculated. The highest RCC related to the maize with 1.18 was observed in D2R3 treatment. Also, the green bean in D2R4 treatment with 1.05 was indicated the highest RCC. The highest dominancy with 2.95 in D3R5 treatment was calculated whereas the lowest was D3R3 treatment with-3.04. The Relative Crowding Coefficient were associated the maize in most treatments. Mısır ve Taze Fasulyenin Birlikte Ekiminde Farklı Ekim Sıklığı ve Oranlarının Verim Bakımından Değerlendirilmesi ÖZET : Tahıllarla baklagillerin birlikte ekimi nemli tropikal bölgelerde yaygın bir uygulamadır. Bu araştırma mısır ve taze fasulyenin birlikte ekiminde farklı ekim sıklığı ve ekim desenlerinin verim üzerine etkisinin belirnenmesi amacıyla bölünmüş parseller düzenine göre tesadüf blokları deneme deseninde üç tekerrürlü olarak 2009 ürün yılında Iran'ın Makü şehrinde yürütülmüştür. Ana faktör üç faklı ekim sıklığı seviyesinden (D1: 60000 mısır + 200000 fasulye/ha, D2: 75000 mısır + 300000 fasulye/ ha ve D3: 90000 mısır + 400000 fasulye/ha) oluşmaktadır. Alt faktör ise beş ekim düzenlemesinden (R1: %100 fasulye , R2: %100 mısır , R3: %50 fasulye + %50 mısır, R4: %75 fasulye + %25 mısır ve R5: %25 fasulye + %75 mısır) oluşmaktadır. Varyans analiz sonuçlarına göre mısır verimi farklı ekim desenlerinden, fasulye verimi ise ekim sıklığından önemli ölçüde etkilenmiştir. Birlikte ekimin etkinliğini değerlendirmek amacıyla alan eşdeğer oranı (LER) ve toplam nispi değer (RTV) hesaplanmıştır. En yüksek LER ve RTV sırasıyla yaklaşık 2.17 ve 3.16 D3R4 ve D3R5 uygulamalarında belirlenmiş ve bu kombinasyonlar ümitvar bulunmuştur. Rekabet indeksleri bakımından, göreceli sıklık katsayısı (RCC) ve rekabet değerleri hesaplanmıştır. En yüksek RCC mısır için D2R3 (1.18), fasulye için D2R4 (1.05) uygulamalarında belirlenmiştir. En yüksek rekabet değeri D3R5 (2.95), ve en az D3R3 (-3.04) uygulamalarında saptanmıştır.

The modern technique of producing fruits (Orange, grape, mango and etc.) is under net house as a response for the call of increasing the fruit production to avoid the climate change impacts and sustainable production. The intercropping... more

The modern technique of producing fruits (Orange, grape, mango and etc.) is under net house as a response for the call of increasing the fruit production to avoid the climate change impacts and sustainable production. The intercropping method introduces better water and soil use efficiency and increasing the food security in addition to reduce the economic risk of agricultural production. In this study brassica plants (Red cabbage, Chinese cabbage and white cabbage) were cultivated as intercrops in-rows and in-between young mango trees (twoyears old), under different five net colors for covering greenhouses (white, black, blue, yellow and red net) comparing to open field to increase the soil use efficiency through the bare areas among and in betweenthe mango rows especially at the winter season. Trialswerecarried out during two growing winter seasons of 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 at El-Bossily farm, CLAC, Agricultural Research Center, El-Behira Governorate, Egypt. This study investigated the effects of different net color on the growth and production of some brassica crops in terms of light intensity, air temperature, relative humidity and plant growth were evaluated over the two seasons. Regardless of net color, all treatments decreased maximum temperatures and increased relative humidity compared with open field conditions. The different brassica crops had different trend under different net colors. The use of white and yellow nets resulted in a significant increase of the number of leaves, fresh and dry weight and weight of cabbage plant compared to other treatments. Data revealed that climate under white and yellow nets is the most appropriate microclimate for producing cabbage under Egyptian conditions. There were no negative impacts on mango growth and yield as affected by intercropping. The net color affected the N, P and K contents of cabbage plants. The white and yellow net cover gave the highest values of net income, value cost ratio (VC) and relative increase in income (RII) for all Chinese cabbage, white cabbage and red cabbage. Cultivation white and red cabbage crops under net house increase the net income and reduce the cost of IPM via reducing the insecticide use compared to open field.

A field experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the kharif-1 season of 2009to study the effect of intercropping summer mungbean with maize on the fodder and grain... more

A field experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the kharif-1 season of 2009to study the effect of intercropping summer mungbean with maize on the fodder and grain yield productivity under different planting geometry. Sole maize and the mungbean were grown using spacing 75 × 25 cm and 30 × 10 cm respectively. In the intercropping treatments, maize was grown in paired row using varying spacing of 25-37.5cm leaving inter-paired-rows space of 85-112.5 cm for sowing mungbean rows (2-4). Results showed that both the sole maize and mungbeanfound the highest per plant values in most of the plant parameters studied. The treatments did not show appreciable difference of maize due to the varying row arrangements. Maize fresh weight/ha and mungbean seed yield/ha decreased drastically by 33-56% and 50-81% respectively. The sole maize showed significantly the highest values of yield and yield attributes. Among the intercropping treatments with 25 cm apart maize paired rows leaving 85 cm space between paired rows accommodated with 2-3 rows of 25 cm apart mungbean gave comparatively higher values of yield and yield parameters of maize. The sole mungbean showed significantly the highest values of fodder and grain yield and also those of yield attributes. However, the intercropping treatments showed inconsistent results in respect of yield attributes.

Cereal-based forage production could be considered to have potential to supply great deal of energy-rich feed in animal diets. Experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of corn-soybean combinations of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in addition... more

Cereal-based forage production could be considered to have potential to supply great deal of energy-rich feed in animal diets. Experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of corn-soybean combinations of 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in addition to monocrops of corn and soybean to detremine forage dry matter (DM) yield and quality in corn-soybean intercropping. The crop combination ratio had significant effects on dry matter yield and nutritive quality of forage. The ratio of 75:25 and 50:50 recorded DM yields similar to those of monocropped corn (14.77 t/ha). Forage quality in terms of crude protein (CP) (75:25 ratio 12.75%, 50:50 ratio 13.73% and 25:75 ratio 14.68%) was improved by intercropping due to higher nitrogen availability for corn in intercropping compared with its sole crop (10.83% CP). Increase ratio of corn in corn-soybean mixture, negatively affectd neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) of forage and declined with increasing ratio of soybean plants. Combination ratio of 50:50 gave higher protein yield (1886.45 kg/ha) than other crop combination ratio. Among all the combination ratios, the 50:50 corn-soybean ratio was the optimum giving highest forage yield, protein content as well as protein yield.

Groundnut is one of the major oilseed crops of India accounting for 25% of total oilseed production in the country. India's vegetable oil requirement by 2022 is estimated 33.2 million tonnes and currently imports about 70% of the... more

Groundnut is one of the major oilseed crops of India accounting for 25% of total oilseed production in the country. India's vegetable oil requirement by 2022 is estimated 33.2 million tonnes and currently imports about 70% of the requirement accounting for about 73,000 crores per annum. Further, industrialization and urbanization have led to decrease land availability, moreover, farmers primarily focus on cultivation of cash crops like cotton, maize, etc. This along with pulses shortage has led to malnutrition creating a serious consequence to the growing generation. This situation can be overcome by intercropping system which aims at increasing productivity at a particular time, but also insurances against total crop failure. It is very important that the performance under intercropping system depends on the selection of suitable intercrop where both sustain and bloom. This review outlines on groundnut based intercropping with castor, blackgram, sesame and pearl millet crops. From the review collected it could be confirmed that groundnut performs well under intercropping system but with certain short duration crops. This could be primarily due to the lesser shading effect caused by the companion short duration crop and also enhanced pod development after the harvest. Therefore, the compatibility within the intercropping systems needs to be clearly understood and thereby disseminated to the farming community the backbone of our nation.

Due to burgeoning human population and utilization of land for non-agricultural purpose, the demand for food crops is being increased day by day. To meet the growing food demand, we need to raise the production of all the food crops like... more

Due to burgeoning human population and utilization of land for non-agricultural purpose, the demand for food crops is being increased day by day. To meet the growing food demand, we need to raise the production of all the food crops like cereals, pulses, oilseeds, etc. Under this situation, any strategy to boost agricultural production (especially oilseeds and legumes) is the expansion of an appropriate production-oriented multi-cropping system like intercropping system. Legumes intercropped with sesamum upsurges in productivity through better utilization of resources to stabilize the yield. To find out the advantages (yield, biological feasibility and economic) of any intercropping system, in general, the land equivalent ratio, area time equivalent ratio, relative crowding coefficient, aggressivity, competition ratio, net returns, benefit cost ratio, income equivalent ratio and monetary advantages are used. In this review article, the work on different sesamum based intercropping system carried out by researchers is discussed. Based on this review article, it is concluded that intercropping has beneficial effect on sesamum equivalent yield over sole sesamum, if desired short duration legumes be intercropped with it at an appropriate row ratio.

Background. Corn silage is an important feed for intense ruminant production, but the growth of corn relies heavily on the use of chemical fertilizers. Sustainable crop production requires careful management of all nutrient sources... more

Background. Corn silage is an important feed for intense ruminant production, but the growth of corn relies heavily on the use of chemical fertilizers. Sustainable crop production requires careful management of all nutrient sources available on a farm, particularly in corn-based cropping systems. Methods. Experiments were conducted to determine the appropriate technique of corn-legume intercropping in conjunction with the supplemental use of chemical fertilizers, organic manure, and biofertilizers (BFs). Acetylene reduction assays (ARAs) were also performed on corn and soybean roots. Results. Combining chemical fertilizers with chicken manure (CM) in a 50:50 ratio and applying 50% NPK+50% CM+BF produced fresh forage and dry matter (DM) yields that were similar to those produced in the 100% nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) treatment. Among the lone fertilizer treatments, the inorganic fertilizer (100% NPK) treatment produced the highest DM yield (13.86 t/ha) of forage and outyielded the 100% CM (9.74 t/ha) treatment. However, when CM was combined with NPK, the resulting DM yield of forage (13.86 t/ha) was the same as that resulting from 100% NPK (13.68 t/ha). Compared with CM applications alone, combinations of NPK and CM applications resulted in increased plant height, crop growth rates (CGRs) and leaf area index (LAI), but the values of these parameters were similar to those resulting from 100% NPK application. Fertilizers in which the ratio was 50% CM+50% NPK or 50% CM+50% NPK+BF resulted in protein yields that were similar to those resulting from conventional fertilizers. Similarly, the CP content did not significantly differ between applications of the 100% NPK and 50% CM+50% NPK fertilizers. The use of BFs had no significant impact on improving either the yield or quality of forage fertilized with inorganic or organic fertilizer. Lactic acid responded differently to different fertilizer applications and was significantly higher in the fertilized plots than in the unfertilized plots. Compared with treatments of lone chemical and lone organic manure fertilizers, treatments involving applications of BF and a combination of BF and NPK or CM resulted in higher ARA values. Discussion. There is no simple and easy approach to increase biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in grain legumes grown as part of a cropping system under realistic farm field conditions. Overall, evidence recorded from this study proves that, compared with corn monocrops combined with CM and chemical fertilizers, corn-soybean intercrops could increase forage yields and quality, produce higher total protein yields, and reduce the need for protein supplements and chemical fertilizers.

Maize (Zea mays L.) occupied the third place mainly cereal/ fodder produce in the world. Maize gained a chief place in the many cropping pattern of Pakistan. Intercropping is economically beneficial and favorable for the fertility... more

Maize (Zea mays L.) occupied the third place mainly cereal/ fodder produce in the world. Maize gained a chief place in the many cropping pattern of Pakistan. Intercropping is economically beneficial and favorable for the fertility restoration of land. Intercropping of maize with mungbean increased water use efficiency, light use efficiency as well as nutrient use efficiency which positively affect the different yield as well as agronomic parameters like plant height, number of grain row per cob, cobs length, cob girth, thousand grain weight, total dry matter and seed yield which ultimately increases the final yield.

FULL PDF: https://ejar.journals.ekb.eg/article_172842.html Crop production is seriously threatened by drought. Greater availability of nitrogen and phosphorus through intercropping with grain legumes and inoculationwith Phosphate... more

FULL PDF: https://ejar.journals.ekb.eg/article_172842.html Crop production is seriously threatened by drought. Greater availability of nitrogen and phosphorus through intercropping with grain legumes and inoculationwith Phosphate Solubilizing Bactaeria (PSB) can alleviate the negative effect of water stress on some crops. However, row crop-grain legume intercropping and using PSB bacteria is not welcomed or widely accepted by smallholder farmers in arid regions. The problem is that N-fixation by grain legumes cannot completely satisfy nitrogen demand of intercropped non-legume row crop especially in low phosphorus soils of these regions under restricted irrigation. The efficiency of PSB bacteria also is very low in the alkaline soil of this region. It suggests that some amount of nitrogen fertilizer should be used in this intercropping system. Nitrogen consumption also improves the efficiency of PSB bacteria. So, consumption of some mineral nitrogen, and incubation with PSB bacteria...

The present experiment was conducted under the ecological conditions of Tekirdag, Turkey during 1999-2001. Three levels of different mixtures vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) (25% vetch + 75% oat, 50% vetch + 50% oat, 75%... more

The present experiment was conducted under the ecological conditions of Tekirdag, Turkey during 1999-2001. Three levels of different mixtures vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) (25% vetch + 75% oat, 50% vetch + 50% oat, 75% vetch + 25% oat) and pure common vetch (100% vetch + 0% oat), pure oat (0% vetch + 100% oat) were used as experimental treatments. The objective of this research study was to determine the effects of different mixtures ratio on yield and yield components of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) + oat (Avena sativa L.). Seeds were broadcasted at a rate of 180kg ha -1 for the grasses and 120kg ha -1 for the vetch. Field trials were arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Plant height, number of branch per plant, number of pods per plant, herbage yield and dry matter yield were recorded. The two years’ results showed that the highest and dry herbage yields were obtained from 25% vetch (Vicia sativa L.) + 75% oat (Avena sativa ...

In order to evaluate the effect of different intercropping patterns and fertilizers on some growth characteristics and biomass of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) an experiment was conducted as factorial based on randomized complete block design... more

In order to evaluate the effect of different intercropping patterns and fertilizers on some growth characteristics and biomass of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) an experiment was conducted as factorial based on randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and three replications at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Iran in 2014. The first factor was four cropping systems including monoculture of faba bean; row intercropping of faba bean with cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) at three patterns (1 row faba bean-1 row cumin; 2 rows faba bean-2 row cumin; 4 rows faba bean-4 row cumin and the second factor was three levels of fertilizers including 100% chemical fertilizer, 50% chemical fertilizer + biofertilizer (Azoto barvar + Barvar 2) and vermicompost. Results showed that the fertilizer had significant effect on plant height of faba bean. The greatest faba bean height was observed in 100% chemical fertilizer that was not significantly different with 50% ...

This paper investigates the causes of the traditional practice of intercropping – i.e., of scattering vines across fields rather than concentrating them in specialized vineyards. We interpret it as a risk management strategy based on... more

This paper investigates the causes of the traditional practice of intercropping – i.e., of scattering vines across fields rather than concentrating them in specialized vineyards. We interpret it as a risk management strategy based on spatial diversification, which entailed transportation costs. We test our model with data for 1930s Italy, where intercropping was widely but unevenly diffused. We show that its adoption was positively related to the pattern of scattered dwellings which dated back to the late Middle Ages and reduced transportation costs to individual plots.