Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the share of nitrogen Agronomic Efficiency/Productivity components (recovery/uptake efficiency; RE × physiological/utilization efficiency; PE) in a common intercropping system (maize-bean) which until the current research, there is no information about it. A split plots arrangement based on the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, was carried out during two successive cropping years. The main plot factor consisted of sole cultivation of maize and bean, row intercropping with ratios including 50%:50% (1 row of maize: 1 row of bean), 67%:33% (2 rows of maize: 1 row of bean), and 33%: 67% (1 row of maize: 2 rows of bean). Application and non-application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer (55 kg ha−1) were assigned to the subplots. In both species, when NUE was calculated based on the seed yield, the N utilization efficiency (NUtE) was higher in all treatments compared with NUtE based on the dry matter yield. Under the conditions of N application, the ratio of 50:50 of bean: maize intercropped had higher N uptake efficiency (NUpE) for both species. Moreover, the ratio of 50:50 had the highest total land equivalent ratio (LER) based on the seed yield (1.10), the NUpE (2.30%), and NUE indices (1.98 kg kg−1 and 2.02 kg kg−1 based on the seed yield and the dry matter yield, respectively). The ratio of 50:50 of bean: maize intercropped having the highest efficiency indices, can be a lasting solution to reduce N application and losses, improving its uptake efficiency. Reducing the excessive use of chemical N fertilizer increases the productivity of this input in agroecosystems and reduces costs and health concerns.
Published Version
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