Corn Monoculture Research Articles

Actinobacteria derived from soybean/corn intercropping influence the subsequent wheat

Soil legacy effects, especially soil bacterial legacy effects, influence growth, fitness and nutrient acquisition in sequential cropping systems. To date, mechanisms underlying soil bacterial legacy influences on subsequent crops remain largely unknown. In this study, we employed soybean monoculture (S), corn monoculture (C), and soybean/corn intercropping (SC) to study soil legacy effects on the growth and nutrient acquisition of wheat. In these tests, S, C and SC drove establishment of distinctive soil bacterial communities, with higher abundances of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria taxa observed in SC plots than in S and C treatments. Variation among soil bacterial communities was associated with functional shifts in nitrogen cycling in SC treatment compared to other treatments（C and Control）. Soil legacy effects in turn may contribute to growth, nutrient acquisition and grain production in wheat crops planted in rotations. Pot assay suggest that soil microorganism of SC treatment significantly increased the plant height of wheat by 15.1 % and 18.7 %, the shoot biomass by 50.7 % and 62.7 %, the nitrogen content by 76.0 % and 94.9 %, the phosphorus content by 80.3 % and 75.9 %, and the potassium content by 64.0 % and 83.7 % by compared with C and S. Actinobacteria taxa collections further promote nutrient acquisition of wheat. Taken together, our observations from field plots and manipulation of specific bacterial taxa revealed novel soil bacterial legacy effects of previously reared crops on subsequent crops. These new insights open avenues for using soil legacy effects for positive impacts in crop rotation systems.

Understanding how corn-yellow melilot intercropping combined with straw return increased stable organic carbon pool in Mollisols by reducing the application of chemical fertilizer

Long-term cultivation with persistent use of chemical fertilizers causes a rapid decline in organic matter content of Mollisols. But practicing intercropping along with straw return instead of the use of chemical fertilizer have the potential to reverse the decline and improve soil organic carbon (SOC) content. A field experiment with five treatments at two sites of Songnen Plain of Northeast China included the following treatments (1) corn monoculture with no chemical fertilizers and no straw return (c), (2) corn monoculture with chemical fertilizers and no straw return (c + F), (3) corn-yellow melilot intercropping and straw return combined with full application of chemical fertilizers (c&m + S + F), (4) corn-yellow melilot intercropping and straw return combined with half dose of chemical fertilizers (c&m + S + F/2), and (5) corn-yellow melilot intercropping and straw return without chemical fertilizers (c&m + S). The results showed that c&m + S + F, c + F, and c&m + S + F/2 decreased specific gravity and c&m + S + F increased water content. The c&m + S + F, c&m + S + F/2, and c&m + S improved SOC with 18.7%, 7.95%, and 8.17% (P < 0.05), respectively. The c&m + S + F and c&m + S + F/2 increased mineral-associated organic carbon, humus organic carbon, and heavy fraction organic carbon content. These findings provide a method for utilizing intercropping and straw return to replace chemical fertilizers to improve SOC and stable organic carbon content to ameliorate soil quality.

Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems as a Strategy for the Sustainable Production of Corn and Soybean Grain in Tropical Sandy Soils

Integrated crop–livestock systems (ICLS) have sustainably intensified modern agricultural practices worldwide. This research assessed how production systems and crop types impact the chemical properties of an Oxisol in the Brazilian Cerrado, the grain yield of corn intercropped with palisade grass (Urochloa) in the off-season in an ICLS, and the grain yield (GY) of soybean in succession. Intercropped and monocropped systems were assessed in a three-year field experiment: corn + Urochloa ruziziensis–soybean; corn + U. brizantha cv. Piatã–soybean; corn + U. brizantha cv. Paiaguás–soybean (ICL–Paiaguás); corn–soybean under a no-tillage system (NTS); corn–soybean under a conventional tillage system (CTS); Piatã grass–continuous grazing (Perennial Piatã); and Paiaguás grass–continuous grazing (Perennial Paiaguás). The residual impact of phosphate fertilization was more pronounced in the ICLS treatments. In the soil layer from 0.0 to 0.2 m depth, ICLS–Paiaguás and Perennial Piatã had the most positive effects on soil chemical quality. In the last year, grain yield was highest in corn monoculture under the NTS and soybean in succession under the ICLS. ICL–Paiaguás improved soil chemical properties for soybean in succession. These results confirm that an intermittent pasture system for legume crops in sequence is an alternative that can maintain or improve soil chemical composition, and that CTS should be avoided in tropical sandy soils.

Growth and water-needs analysis of sweet corn and peanuts in different cropping systems

Maize and peanuts are important food crops in Indonesia and are generally planted in monoculture and intercropping systems. The water required for monoculture and intercropping is believed to be different. However, comparison analysis of water requirements in monoculture and intercropping is rarely conducted. The research aimed to evaluate the growth and production of sweet corn and peanuts in monoculture and intercropping systems concerning water requirement and crop coefficient. The study was conducted at IPB Experimental Station in Leuwikopo, Bogor, Indonesia from September to December 2022. Sweet corn and peanuts were planted in different cropping systems, i.e., monoculture and intercropping. Water consumption of both cropping systems was evaluated in every growing stage. The experiment used a completely randomized block design and was repeated three times. Results showed that sweet corn growth was not significantly different among cropping systems, but yield from intercropping was lower than monoculture. Intercropped peanuts grew lower than monoculture but did not show any significant difference in yield among cropping systems. Water use efficiency in intercropping was higher than monoculture for both crops, indicating intercropping is a suitable cropping system for limiting soil water availability. The land equivalency ratio was 1.80, concluding that intercropping was more efficient than monoculture in land use by 80%. Keywords: climate change; crop coefficient; intercropping; land equivalent ratio; water use efficiency

Major impacts of the US Renewable Fuel Standard on corn and soybean cultivation

AbstractWe use rich spatial data on observed crop choices and ethanol production to estimate the local impacts of ethanol plants and the overall impact of the 2007 US Renewable Fuel Standard (the RFS2) on crop patterns. We find that the RFS2 increased total corn area by 9.7%, corn monoculture by 16.8%, and soybean area by 6.7%, with notable spatial heterogeneity in both the overall impact and the local effects of ethanol plants. The results indicate an RFS2‐induced shift in the geography of corn and soybean cultivation within the Corn Belt—intensification in the core, and significant expansion near the periphery.

Influence of biodestructors on sequestration of labile carbon compounds in the soil

Ukraine stands as a testament to agricultural wealth due to its fertile soils, most notably, its significant share of the world’s chornozem. Rich soil is fundemantal to agricultural production, and therefore the success of the agricultural industry heavily relies on the fertility of the soil. However, modern agricultural practices in Ukraine, have led to increased anthropogenic impact on soils, affecting their biodiversity and humus content. In this regard, it is becoming increasingly important to perform comprehensive studies of microbiological, biochemical and chemical processes in the soil in response to different agricultural interventions. The urgent need to restore natural ecosystems to preserve their biodiversity and ensure ecological stability poses new scientific challenges, emphasizing the importance of urgent measures aimed at protecting the environment from pollution and degradation. This research aims to explore the effects of biodestructors on the deposition of labile carbon compounds in the soil during long-term consistent corn cultivation. The research was conducted during 2020–2023 within the framework of a stationary field experiment of the scientific research department of the «Druzhba Nova» in Varva village, Chernihiv region. The soil is a typical low-humus chornozem with the experiment focusing on a monoculture corn crop rotation. The DKC 4351 corn hybrid was sown at a density of 82 thousand units per hectare, employing a three-part experiment design: 1) a UAN control at 32–28 l/ha, 2) Ecostern Classic at 2 l/ha combined with UAN 32–28 l/ha, and 3) Ecostern Bacterial at 2 l/ha alongside Ecostern Trichoderma at 1 l/ha and UAN 32–28 l/ha. In the present study, the influence of biodestructors on soil’s agrochemical and microbiological indicators, as well as corn yield was evaluated. In a long-term stationary field experiment conducted on a typical low-humus chornozem, we investigated the influence of microbial preparations — plant residue biodestructors — on the deposition of labile carbon compounds in the soil under continuos corn cultivation. The application of Ecostern Classic and a combination of Ecostern Bacterial + Ecostern Trichoderma biodestructors resulted in an increase of labile carbon content by 0.11% and 0.18%, respectively, compared to the control. The aim of further analysis was to determinate the dynamics of the organic matter transformation coefficient, which is a marker of enhanced microbiological activity in the soil and a predominance of organic matter synthesis over its mineralization. In treatments utilizing biodestructors, this indicator was significantly higher than control values throughout the study. The survival of the fungal bioagent from Ecostern Classic and Ecostern Trichoderma bioproducts in the soil was monitored by assessing the population dynamics of the Trichoderma genus species. Results demonstrated an increase by an average of 19 thousand CFU/g with Ecostern Classic and by 34 thousand CFU/g with the combined use of Ecostern Bacterial with Ecostern Trichoderma, compared to 28 thousand CFU/g in control soil samples. This may indirectly indicate a successful colonization of the bioagent in treated soils. Using BIOTREX technology to evaluate the soil’s ecophysiological diversity, we found that the diversity index increased from 3.66 in control samples to between 4.87 and 5.61 in treatments with biodestructors. According to the further BIOTREX assessment, the use of biodestructors not only increased soil biodiversity, but also improved soil health. The application of these biodestructors also significantly boosted corn grain yield with an increase of 0.32 t/ha with Ecostern Classic treatment and 0.18 t/ha with the combined use of Ecostern Bacterial with Ecostern Trichoderma, compared to control.

Removal of Crop Ion Components in Relation to Mollisol Acidification under Long-Term Management

Crop removal of cations and anions is one of the main factors causing soil acidification. Mollisols, also known as black soils, which are inherently neutral soils, have been acidified due to irrational land use. However, the magnitude of acidification of black soils in relation to crop removal under crop rotation and field management remains unclear. In this study, we collect soil samples from 9- and 10-year long-term trials with seven treatments of soybean and corn monoculture, and corn–soybean rotation under different fertilization or straw return in the Mollisol region of Northeast China. Total removal of cations and anions is 371–508 and 92–125 kg ha−1 in corn but 166–250 and 56–82 kg ha−1 in soybean, which leads to the production of 7.06–10.2 kmol ha−1 H+ for corn and 4.43–5.77 kmol ha−1 H+ for soybean. Among the four cations (K+, Ca2+, Na+, and Mg2+) analyzed in different tissues of crops, K+ contributes more to the total H+ production, where K+ in corn stem contributes more than 55% H+, while K+ in soybean seed contributes more than 64% H+. The sum of Ca2+ and Mg2+ removal for soybean is 37.6–66.9 kg ha−1, 1.26–2.07 times (p &lt; 0.05) greater than for corn. Net H+ produced by corn and soybean removal may potentially lead to a soil acidification of 0.053–0.074 and 0.032–0.045 year−1 units pH, respectively. The greater the corn or soybean biomass, the higher the net H+ production. Continuous soybean and combination of chemical fertilizer for corn but no chemical fertilizer for soybean reduce the soil pH buffering capacity (pHBC), while other treatments increase the soil pHBC, but there is no effect for continuous corn. Compared to normal corn–soybean rotation, soil pH in 9-year continuous corn declines from 5.76 to 5.63, while 10-year continuous soybean declines from 5.68 to 5.43 (p &lt; 0.05). However, soil pH with chemical fertilizer for corn and dairy manure for soybean increases by 0.60 and 0.89 units (p &lt; 0.05). Changes in pH might not be fully related to crop ion removal. Manure application with crop rotation is an effective approach to alleviate soil acidification.

ANALYSIS OF RED CHILLI AND COR INTERCROPPING FARMING BUSINESS WITH ESTIMATED LAND USE RATIO IN PANJI PORSEA VILLAGE, SITINJO DISTRICT, DAIRI DISTRICT

This research aims to analyze how farming works, the effectiveness of utilization and aspects of red and corn production intercropping red chilies and corn with production functions in Panji Porsea Village, Sitinjo District, Dairi Regency. This research was carried out in November 2022. The form of this research was a quantitative method. The population in this study were 50 farmers using corn monoculture, chili monoculture and intercropping red chili with corn. To obtain appropriate research results, the sample used was purposive sampling taken from each village, the data analysis technique used was cost and revenue analysis and Land Use Ratio Analysis.intercropping chili corn.The effectiveness of intercropping land use for red chilies and corn is running very well, because the intercropping system at the time of planting is very suitable and very feasible to implement, able to increase the income of both chili and corn farmers. The production aspect of red chilies and corn after using the intercropping method appears to increase when compared to monoculture because by saving land you can produce 2 different productions.

Soil macrofauna correlations with soil chemical and physical properties and crop sequences under no-tillage

ABSTRACTSoil macrofauna is an important indicator of soil quality, as it is sensitive to changes in the environment as a result of soil management, which includes soil chemical and physical properties and the diversity of cultivated species. This study aimed to evaluate the composition and structure of soil macrofauna under a no-tillage system in different crop sequences, with and without crop rotation, over two growing seasons: a rainy summer and a dry winter. The crop sequences were soybean/corn rotation in the summer and corn in the winter; soybean/corn rotation in the summer and sunn hemp in the winter; soybean monoculture in the summer and sunn hemp in the winter; and corn monoculture in the summer and corn monoculture in the winter growing season. The nutrient content of the crop residues left on the soil surface, soil chemical and physical properties, and soil macrofauna were determined. Functional plant groups (grasses or legumes) individually influenced the composition of soil macrofauna more significantly than the effect of crop sequence, with or without rotation, and growing season. Grasses favored an increased density of groups such as Oligochaeta, Isoptera, and Formicidae. In contrast, legumes contributed to the variation in the total density of individuals and Diplura and Coleoptera groups. Furthermore, the influence of functional plant groups (grasses or legumes) on the composition and density of soil macrofauna were related to soil chemical (P and N content) and physical properties (particulate organic carbon and soil moisture), which determined the composition of soil macrofauna groups.

Tradeoffs when interseeding cover crops into corn across the Chesapeake Bay watershed

CONTEXTIn annual cropping systems at high latitudes, an early onset of winter limits the establishment of cover crops in fall and ultimately the ecosystem services they provide such as nitrogen (N) leaching reduction. Interseeding cover crops into a standing cash crop can improve establishment before winter, but its practice is limited in both scope and scale. OBJECTIVETo identify tradeoffs and establish regional patterns of interseeding success in the environmentally sensitive Chesapeake Bay Watershed of North America, we used the agroecosystem model Cycles to compare in silico systems in which cover crops were either interseeded into a standing crop of corn (Zea mays L.) or conventionally seeded after corn harvest. METHODSIn each of the 153 counties contained in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, a representative field was simulated and either seeded with ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), a blend of legumes, or a mix of legumes and ryegrass in a continuous corn sequence. The simulated corn yield, cover crop biomass production, N leaching reduction, and total N losses were compared between the cover crop scenarios and a monoculture corn control. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSSimulations showed that conventionally seeded cover crops did not affect corn yields of the following year. However, when interseeded, the drag on corn yield in the same year averaged 6% per Mg of fall cover crop biomass. The corn yield reduction notwithstanding, interseeding reduced N leaching by 10% for legumes, 25% for the mix, and 50% for solo ryegrass compared to the no cover-crop control. There are other tradeoffs, such as an offset of N fertilizer inputs from N2 fixation when using legumes despite the less effective nutrient capture. Regardless of the cover crop type, interseeding up to latitude 41° N tends to be competitive with the cash crop, but north of that threshold (or west into higher elevations) the mitigation of N leaching when interseeding seems to outweigh agronomic costs. SIGNIFICANCEThis study provides useful insight into watershed-scale agronomic and environmental processes without the constraints of establishing large-scale networks of field trials. Given these analyses, future field research in areas suitable for interseeding can focus on establishing legume cover crops in high-yielding fields with low residual mineral N, grass cover crops in manured or low-yielding fields with residual mineral N, and a mixture of both when N supply is uncertain and preventive management is needed.

Alley cropping agroforestry systems change weed community composition and reduce dominant weed species associated with corn in southern Mexico

Alley cropping systems can change the weed community composition and reduce common weed species. However, it is unclear how different woody species intercalated with corn can affect weed abundance and community structure and corn yield in the tropics. The present study examined weed species diversity and community composition in alley cropping systems with three woody species associated with corn: Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, Guazuma ulmifolia Lam., and Moringa oleifera Lam. independently, and corn monoculture, as a control. The tree most dominant weed species were Ruellia nudiflora (Engelm. & A. Gray) Urb., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., and Portulaca pilosa L. Our results showed that the alley cropping system compared with corn monoculture reduced the densities of common abundant weed species, changed weed community composition, maintained or increased plant diversity, but did not affect grain yield (t/h). Based on the sample completeness profile we found that Leucaena associated with corn had a higher weed diversity of order q = 1 and 2 (Shannon and Simpson index) and showed higher evenness compared with corn monoculture, which showed the lowest evenness of all treatments. We found nine weed species that only grow in alley cropping systems and Waltheria americana L., Momordica charantia L. and Porophyllum punctatum (Mill) S.F. Blake. with higher densities. Our findings support the hypothesis that alley cropping systems not only changes weed community composition, but also favours biodiversity conservation without reducing corn yield.

Effects of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) and sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) intercropping on crop production and essential oil profiles of summer savory.

A 2-year field experiment evaluated the effects of sweet corn-summer savory intercropping on crop productivity and essential oil (EO) composition of summer savory. Five cropping patterns of Corn 100%:Savory 0%, C75:S25, C50:S50, C25:S75, and C0:S100 were tested. The highest corn yield (2,440 kg ha-1) was obtained in a corn monoculture, but was not significantly different from C75:S25 or C50:S50. However, in both years the highest savory yield was obtained in S100 (793.3 g m-2 and 816.6 g m-2, respectively). Savory yields decreased as the proportion of corn increased. The land equivalent ratios in C25:S75, C50:S50, and C75:S25 were 1.54 ± 0.07, 1.56 ± 0.03, and 1.35 ± 0.1, respectively. Monocropped savory had the highest EO value followed by C25:S75 and C50:C50. However, no significant differences were found among these three treatments. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis showed that the major components were carvacrol (35.88%-42.96%), γ-terpinene (18.45%-20.03%), ρ-cymene (11.77%-12.24%), and α-terpinene (2.75%-3.96%). The highest amount of carvacrol was recorded in C25:S75 (42.96%). This study suggests that intercropping of corn and savory represents an effective sustainable strategy, especially for smallholders, as a way to increase their overall land productivity and to improve the quality of savory's EO.

Peronosclerospora neglecta sp. nov.—a widespread and overlooked threat to corn (maize) production in the tropics

Downy mildew is a serious threat to corn (maize) production in the tropics and subtropics. Corn is native to Central America, and was introduced into South-East Asia by the Spanish colonisers in the 1700s. Corn is evolutionarily naïve to downy mildews of the genus Peronosclerospora. Consequently, corn monocultures are particularly susceptible to a variety of Peronosclerospora species, which spread to the crop from local grasses. Globally, corn is one of the most important crops for both humans and livestock. Several downy mildews of corn have been identified as potential threats to global food security, and trade with corn seeds is strictly regulated to avoid spreading the pathogens. Despite their importance, little is known about the biodiversity of graminicolous downy mildews, because their identification has often relied on variable morphological features, such as conidial dimensions. DNA barcodes for most species have become available only recently. During surveys for downy mildews on corn in Indonesia, a previously unrecognised species of Peronosclerospora was found and investigated using a combination of morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The new species, introduced here as Peronosclerospora neglecta, is widely distributed in South-East Asia from Thailand to eastern Indonesia. The impact of this downy mildew can be severe, with complete crop losses in heavily affected fields. Given the aggressiveness of the species, close surveillance is warranted to restrict its further spread.

Impacts of corn intercropping with soybean, peanut and millet through different planting patterns on population dynamics and community diversity of insects under fertilizer reduction.

Corn is one of the key grain crops in China and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides seriously damages the ecological environment in fields. To explore a more scientific and reasonable way to plant corn and simultaneously reduce the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the impact of corn intercropping with soybean, peanut, and millet, respectively, through five planting patterns, including three intercropping patterns (2 corn rows to 2, 3 and 4 rows of soybean/peanut or 2, 4 and 6 millet rows, respectively) and two monoculture patterns of corn and soybean, peanut or millet under normal (600 kg/ha) and reduced (375 kg/ha) levels of NPK (N:P2O5:K2O = 15:15:15) fertilization on the population abundance and community diversity of insects, leaf nutrients, and induced plant hormones jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) was studied in 2018 and 2019. The results showed that the insect community indexes of the species number (S), the diversity index (H), and the uniformity index (E) generally increased under intercropping and were significantly higher than those under corn monoculture. The prevalence of Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis) on the intercropping corn plants decreased by based on the average of seven surveys per year for each treatment 2.9 to 17 heads per 30 plants compared with that on the monoculture corn plants. The number of natural enemy insect species on corn plants under intercropping was significantly higher than that under corn monoculture. That is, intercropping may decrease the population of Asian corn borers by increasing S, H, E, and natural enemy insect species (NEI). Moreover, intercropping type and fertilizer level significantly affected corn leaf nutrient contents. Compared with the normal fertilizer level, fertilizer reduction significantly reduced the foliar contents of amino acids, soluble protein, and soluble sugar in corn plants. In addition, corn-soybean and corn-peanut intercropping significantly increased the three nutrient contents in corn leaves compared with corn monoculture. In terms of corn nutrients, intercropping could compensate for the effects of fertilizer reduction. The foliar content of JA in corn-soybean intercropping was significantly higher than in corn monoculture. Under corn-soybean and corn-peanut intercropping, SA was significantly lower than under corn monoculture. Overall, intercropping, not fertilizer reduction, can significantly increase insect community diversity while reducing the population abundances of the key insect pest species on corn plants. Intercropping reduced the SA content, increased amino acids and thus reduced the susceptibility of corn to the pest insects.

Long-Term Corn–Soybean Rotation and Soil Fertilization: Impacts on Yield and Agronomic Traits

Although crop rotations have been widely shown as an effective approach for improving yield or soil quality in the long term, the relationship between crop rotations and quality traits of crop or biochar-based fertilization is still unclear. To address this, we conducted a long-term field experiment in the Heilongjiang province of China to investigate the effects of crop rotation and biochar-based fertilizer application on the crop yield, soil parameters, crop quality, and agronomic traits in 2014–2020. The effects of rotations on crop production and soil properties were evaluated with the average yield variability during the 7 years of this study. Our results showed that the diversified corn and soybean rotations had a significant positive effect on average crop yield compared with their monocultures. The corn yield was enhanced by 0.6 Mg ha−1 (5.4%) in the corn–soybean–corn (CSC) crop sequence compared with monoculture corn. Similarly, soybean yield was enhanced by 0.21 Mg ha−1 (9.7%) in the soybean–corn–corn (SCC) crop sequence compared with monoculture soybean. However, a negative effect of crop rotations was detected on the protein content of soybean compared with the monoculture soybean, while a positive effect was detected on oil content. Additionally, no differences were detected in crop yield between biochar-based fertilization and mineral fertilization treatments, but a significant positive effect of biochar-based fertilization was observed for any crop on both protein and oil content. A significant effect of crop rotation was found on the percentage of total soil N (TN), available soil N (AN), and available soil K (AK) content. The SSS crop sequence treatment illustrated the highest TN values at 0.18%. The CCC crop sequence treatment increased AN and AK content by 9.1% and 7.8%, respectively, compared with SSS (p &lt; 0.05). We conclude that crop rotations increase crop yield and biochar-based fertilizer application, improving crop quality traits in the long term. Thus, the addition of biochar-based fertilizer could efficiently enhance the yield and quality of crop in the rotation cropping system. The findings of this study may provide useful information for designing sustainable cropping systems based on rotations.

SOIL HEALTH ASSESMENT WITH CORNELL METHOD ON SOME PLANT PATTERN BY CORN AT KENAGARIAN MUNGKA

Planted corn by intensively made decreased soil health and decreasing soil capacity to support plant growth caused of nutrient is not available, poor microbial activity, increasing soil acidity and soil crusting. If this problem do in long term, it will make decrease soil reciliency and decrease plant producitvity. This research was aim to investigate of soil health assesment with cornell method on some plant pattern by corn at Kenagarian Mungka. This research used explorative descriptive method through land survey and soil analyses in the laboratory. The samples were taken based on purposive random sampling. There were three land unit planted by corn with plant pattern are monoculture corn, corn-eggplant and corn-cassava. Each selected soil indicator scoring to discover the soil health correlation test to know relation between parameter with soil health.This research showed that Mungka’s land unit planted by corn have moderate-high category for soil health, monoculture corn had the highest soil health by 65.96, corn-cassava had soil health value by 63.94 and the lowest is corn-eggplant with 63.35 soil health value. This research used three component of soil those are soil chemical, biology, and physic. This research showed that some indicator have the significant determinant indicator for soil health are OM (r=0,9209), pH (r=0,9471), and respiration (r=0,6055). Farmer was do the addition of organic matter from poultry manure to the land regularly. Based on this research, organic matter is the most important thing to keep soil health especially to encourage corn productivity.

Intercropping sweet corn with summer savory to increase weed suppression and yield

AbstractA 2-yr field experiment was conducted to explore the effects on weed growth and crop productivity of intercropping sweet corn with summer savory. Five cropping patterns were set up: sweet corn alone (16 seeds m−2, in rows, 75 cm apart), summer savory alone (40 seeds m−2, broadcasted), and three intercropping ratios of 75% sweet corn, 25% summer savory (75%C:25%S), 50%C:50%S, and 25%C:75%S, of plant densities used in respective monocultures. When intercropping, weed biomass decreased as the proportion of summer savory increased, with a reduction of 48%, 61%, and 70 % in 75%C:25%S, 50%C:50%S, and 25%C:75%S, respectively, compared to sweet corn alone. In parallel, sweet corn yield was higher under intercropping compared to its monoculture and increased as the proportion of summer savory decreased, with yield increases compared to corn monoculture of 38%, 32%, and 15% in the first year and 48%, 23%, and 14 % in the second year in 75%C:25%S, 50%C:50%S, and 25%C:75%S, respectively. However, the intercropping pattern had the opposite effect on summer savory yield, with a significant reduction in yield with an increasing ratio of sweet corn. Our results indicate that intercropping sweet corn with summer savory can increase both weed suppression and yield of sweet corn compared to crop monoculture.

Productive characteristics and economic analysis of tropical forage grasses cultivated under different sowing methods in intercropping production systems

This study aimed to evaluate sowing methods of different tropical grasses in integrated production systems on morphogenic and structural characteristics, chemical composition, and corn yield. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, with a 3 x 3 + 1 factorial arrangement, with three forages: andropogon grass (Andropogon gayanus Kunth cv. Planaltina), massai grass (Megathyrsus maximum cv. Massai) and ruziziensis grass (Urochloa ruziziensis), three ways of sowing intercropped with corn (one row, two rows and broadcast) with four replications and corn in monoculture. Soil preparation, corrective practices and monitoring were carried out as recommended by the species. The results revealed that the sowing methods did not interfere with the interaction for morphogenic and structural characteristics of the grasses. Leaf elongation rate (LER) did not differ among grasses and sowing forms for Andropogon, Massai, and Ruziziensis grasses. There was an interaction effect (P&lt;0.05) for leaf production (LP); the massai grass exhibited higher production compared to other grasses. The spread sowing method produced less leaf availability for the massai grass. There was no effect (P&gt;0.05) of interaction for the variables of the chemical composition of grasses. Maize production was not altered due to the different consortia; however, a much lower value was found when producing corn in monoculture. The average production of intercropped corn was 3420 kg and ha-1, against 1680 kg of single cultivated corn. Massai grass and Ruziziensis grass is an attractive alternative for intercropping with corn in integrated systems

Chemical Regulation Effect of Water Use Efficiency of Maize Intercropping

In order to solve the practical problems of large water demand and shortage of water resources in traditional wheat/maize intercropping, a planting method of changing stubble retention method is proposed in this paper. This method was used to study the effects of three stubble retention methods of traditional wheat straw incineration, straw return, and straw stubble on grain yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and economic benefits of wheat/maize intercropping. The results showed that, compared with the grain yield of burning and returning, the single cropping of wheat increased by 7.2% and 5.1%, the intercropping of wheat increased by 6.2% and 5.1%, the single cropping of corn increased by 4.7% and 2.5%, and the intercropping of corn increased by 7.2% and 3.3%, respectively; compared with the burned and returned WUE, wheat monoculture increased by 20.4% and 16.2%, respectively, wheat intercropping increased by 17.9% and 14.6%, respectively, corn monoculture increased by 16.7% and 10.9%, respectively, and corn intercropping increased by 11.8% and 17.0%, respectively. In terms of the average value of monoculture wheat, monoculture corn, and wheat/corn, the net benefits of incineration, turning, and stubble treatment are 10946, 11471, and 13454 yuan • hm−2, respectively. Considering the grain yield, water use efficiency, and net income, the standing stubble planting mode is the best planting mode of wheat/maize in this area.

Efficiency Analysis of Corn Intercropping with Peanut and Corn Monoculture in Kombungo Village, Muna Regency

The purpose of the study was to determine the efficiency of intercropping corn and peanut with corn monoculture in Kombungo Village, Lasalepa District, Muna Regency. Determination of the sample by simple random method using the slovin method at a confidence level of 85% of the population of corn and peanut intercropping with corn monoculture. Furthermore, the two populations were taken by simple random sampling with 19 people each for intercropping corn and peanuts and 19 people for corn monoculture. In this study used cost analysis, revenue analysis and efficiency analysis. The results showed that: (1). The total income of maize and peanut intercropping is Rp. 31,803,885.71 with a total production cost of 1,457,200 so that the farmers' income is Rp. 30,346,685.71/MT/ha, the largest income is contributed by the sale of peanuts. (2). The total revenue from corn farming is 15.337.142.86 with total production costs of Rp. 2.218.952.39 so that the income from farming in the research area is Rp. 13.118.190.48. The R/C value obtained is 8.25. (3). The intercropping corn and peanut farming is more efficient than the corn monoculture farming, which is indicated by the R/C value of the corn and peanut intercropping 17.67 while the corn monoculture has an R/C value of 8.25.