Weed-suppressive effects of maize–legume intercropping in organic farming

Abstract

In organic agriculture, intercropping is receiving increasing attention as it offers potential advantages for increasing sustainability in crop production. However, intercropping can increase competition between crops and weeds. In this study, we analyzed the effects of maize–legume intercrops on the weed community in an organic cropping system. We were concerned only with competition between crops and weeds for light. We recorded a statistically significant negative correlation between the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation (F int PAR) intercepted by the canopy, and both weed density and weed dry matter. Maize–legume intercropping led to a higher soil canopy cover (leaf area index) than sole crops. The lowest values for F int PAR were received in sole crops. Thus, in maize–legume intercrops the decrease in available light for weeds led to a reduction of weed density and dry matter, compared to sole crops. Intercropping maize and legumes considerably reduced the weed density in the intercrop compared with the maize pure stand. Weed suppression by crops was also greater on a low-productivity site than on a high-productivity site. Our results indicate that intercropping could be useful for weed suppression in organic row-crops such as maize and cotton.