Abstract
<p>A pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in Olsztyn, Poland, in the period 2010–2012. The aim of the study was to examine whether soil water deficit would change biomass volume and distribution of pure sown spring barley and red clover as well as growth rate during their joint vegetation and mutual interactions. The interactions between spring barley and red clover were of a competitive character, and the cereal was the stronger crop. The strength of this competition increased in time with the growing season. Through most of the growing season, the competition was poorer in water deficit conditions.</p><p>The impact of clover on barley before the heading stage showed facilitation symptoms. Interspecific competition reduced the rate of barley biomass accumulation and decreased stem and leaf biomass towards the end of the growing season. Intensified translocation of assimilates from the vegetative parts to grain minimized the decrease in spike biomass.</p><p>Water deficit stress had a more inhibitory effect on the biomass and growth rate of barley than competition, and competition did not exacerbate the adverse influence of water deficit stress on barley. Competition from barley significantly reduced the biomass and biomass accumulation rate of clover. Water deficit stress did not exacerbate barley’s competitive effect on clover, but it strongly inhibited the growth of aboveground biomass in pure-sown clover.</p>
Highlights
Intercropping is usually defined as a multiple cropping system in which two or more crop species are planted simultaneously in a field during a growing season [1]
These variations could result from different effects exerted by the undersown species that may compete for natural resources with the cereal plant, support the complementary use of resources by both intercropped species or facilitate the uptake of cereal plant resources
Through most of the growing season, the competition was poorer in water deficit conditions
Summary
Intercropping is usually defined as a multiple cropping system in which two or more crop species are planted simultaneously in a field during a growing season [1]. The main crop, which is supplemented by the undersown crop, is called the nurse crop [3]. It should be characterized by a short growing season, poor foliage, and minor water demand [4]. The most common undersown crops are legume plants and grasses. Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is one of the most popular undersown legume crops [5,6], whereas spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is regarded as the most effective nurse crop in intercropped stands [7]. The benefits of using undersown crops have been evidenced in literature
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