Evaluation of yield, yield components and nutritive value in intercropping of Barley with Vetch

Abstract

To evaluate some agronomic properties and forage characteristics in the intercropping of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and vetch (Vicia ervilia L.), an experiment was conducted during 2014-2016 cropping seasons. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used. Intercropping patterns included 80% barley+ 20% vetch, 60% barley+ 40% vetch, 40% barley + 60% vetch and 20% barley + 80% vetch along with the sole culture of both crops (100% barley and100% vetch). The result showed that the highest value of plant height, grain number, thousand-grain weight, biological yield, grain yield and harvest in barley was observed from 80% barley + 20% vetch intercropping ratio, however, for vetch, it was detected from 100% vetch. Furthermore, the highest land equivalent ratio was obtained from 80% barley+ 20% vetch. Based on the results, the highest crude protein content and dry matter digestibility were observed in sole cropped vetch, whereas the highest neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were recorded in sole cropped barley. These results suggested that intercropped barley and vetch as 80% barley + 20% vetch ameliorated the grain yield and yield components, and forage quality compared to other intercropping ratios.