The Effect of Plant Density at the Maize-Soybean Intercropping Pattern Inoculated With Mycorrhizae and Organic Fertilizer to the Growth and Yield in Dry Land North Lombok, Indonesia

Abstract

To avoid the risk of crop failure in a dry land, which is poor in organic matter and at the same time can increase the yield of maize and soybeans, intercropping cultivation techniques and the provision of organic materials are needed. This research aimed to determine the effect of plant density on the intercropping pattern of maize soybean inoculated with mycorrhizae and the addition of organic fertilizers to the growth and yield of maize soybean in dryland North Lombok. This research was conducted at Akar-Akar village in Bayan district of North Lombok. The experimental design with Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three blocks and five treatments intercropping patterns, i.e., P1 = 2 rows of corn: 2 rows of soybeans, P2 = 3 rows of corn: 2 rows of soybeans, P3 = 3 rows of corn: 3 rows of soybeans, P4 = 4 rows of corn: 2 rows of soybeans, P5 = 4 rows of corn: 3 rows of soybeans. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's HSD (Honestly Significant Difference) means-tested at a 5% level of significance. The results showed that the intercropping density of 3 maize rows: 3 rows of soybean show the best growth and yield. Growth and yields on intercropping plant density treatment of 3 rows of maize : 3 rows of soybeans gave the highest yields on the wet and dry weight of maize cobs and soybean pods per plant, as well as the wet and dry weight of biomass, maize cobs and soybean pods per plot with the best results if compared to the density of other intercropping plants. The intercropping density of 3 maize rows: 3 rows of soybeans can also increase the number of spores and the percentage of mycorrhizae infections compared to other intercropping treatments.