Highest Land Equivalent Ratio Research Articles

Biochar addition mitigates asymmetric competition of water and increases yield advantages of maize–alfalfa strip intercropping systems in a semiarid region on the Loess Plateau

ObjectiveUnbalanced competition for water poses a major challenge to intercropping systems in semiarid regions. The role of biochar as a soil amendment in regulating water balance and crop productivity is unclear. MethodsIn this two-year field trial, we investigated the impact of biochar application and method on the relationship between water balance utilization and productivity in maize–alfalfa strip intercropping. Monocropping [sole maize (SM) and sole alfalfa (SA)] and intercropping (I) systems were established, with biochar added to corresponding treatments (SMc, SAc, and Ic) and solely to intercropping alfalfa and maize (IAc and IMc). Results and conclusionsOur findings reveal that the yield of the intercropping system (I) was 11.4 % higher than expected on average. Biochar addition significantly increased forage production and water use efficiency, with similar benefits observed in monocropping systems. While competition ratio (CR) values reduce also reducing competition between maize and alfalfa. In two years, applying biochar solely to alfalfa (IAc) resulted in a higher land equivalent ratio (LER) and water equivalent ratio (WER) of 8.63 % and 12.73 %, respectively, compared with applying biochar solely to maize (IMc). Notably, yield and water use efficiency (WUE) increased the most when biochar was applied to intercropped maize and alfalfa (Ic), increasing by 16.1 %–16.6 % and 6.7 %–10.3 % compared with I, resulting in an increase in economic benefits by 24.9 %–26.3 %. Different biochar application methods showed significant potential in mitigating water competition in intercropping, with both sole and joint applications improving WUE, with the latter (Ic) demonstrating the most pronounced effect. However, excessive soil water consumption poses risks of water overuse, emphasizing the need to balance biochar utilization with water resource management. SignificanceOur findings highlight the ability of biochar to alleviate water competition imbalances and optimize water use in intercropping, providing a new approach for efficient water use in semiarid rain-fed agricultural systems.

Radiation Limits the Yield Potential of Main Crops Under Selected Agrivoltaic Designs—A Case Study of a New Shading Simulation Method

Agrivoltaics (APVs) represent a growing technology in Europe that enables the co-location of energy and food production in the same field. Photosynthesis requires photosynthetic active radiation, which is reduced by the shadows cast on crops by APV panels. The design of the module rows, material, and field orientation significantly influences the radiation distribution on the ground. In this context, we introduce an innovative approach for the effective simulation of the shading effects of various APV designs. We performed an extensive sensitivity analysis of the photovoltaic (PV) geometry influence on the ground-incident radiation and crop growth of selected cultivars. Simulations (2013–2021) for three representative arable crops in eastern Austria (winter wheat, spring barley, and maize) and seven different APV designs that only limited to the shading effect showed that maize and spring barley experienced the greatest annual above-ground biomass and grain yield reduction (up to 25%), with significant differences between the APV design and the weather conditions. While spring barley had similar decreases within the years, maize was characterized by high variability. Winter wheat had only up to a 10% reduction due to shading and a reduced photosynthetic performance. Cold/humid/cloudy weather during the growing season had more negative yield effects under APVs than dry/hot periods, particularly for summer crops such as maize. The lowest grain yield decline was achieved for all three crops in the APV design in which the modules were oriented to the east at a height of 5 m and mounted on trackers with an inclination of +/−50°. This scenario also resulted in the highest land equivalent ratios (LERs), with values above 1.06. The correct use of a tracker on APV fields is crucial for optimizing agricultural yields and electricity production.

Nitrogen input strategies impact fertilizer nitrogen saving by intercropping: A global meta-analysis

ContextSeveral meta-analyses have demonstrated that intercropping increases land use efficiency and fertilizer use efficiency of grain-producing crop species, but no overarching synthesis has been made on the effects of fertilizer management on fertilizer use efficiency. Research questionsHere we assess the relative N use efficiency of species mixtures compared to sole crops under different N input strategies using global data. MethodsWe built a global database of yield and fertilizer N input with 600 data records representing the results of 136 independent experiments from 80 publications with four main types of species functional combinations (SFCs), based on key traits that were found relevant in previous intercropping studies: C3-cereal/legume, maize/legume, C4-non-maize/legume and maize/C3-cereal. ResultsWe found that the literature reports results for four main N input strategies in the intercrop and sole crops: (1) zero fertilizer N input (Nic=N1=N2=0), (2) equal fertilizer N input (Nic=N1=N2>0), (3) intermediate fertilizer N input (N1≥Nic≥N2 and N1>N2), and (4) transgressive fertilizer N input (Nic>N1≥N2), where N1, N2 and Nic represent the N input in sole crop 1, sole crop 2 and the intercrop. With zero N input, high land equivalent ratio was found in cereal/legume intercrops but not in maize/C3-cereal intercrops. Intermediate N input (strategy 3) resulted in high LER (land equivalent ratio) and FNER (fertilizer N equivalent ratio) because of the high intercropping advantage of cereals in C3-cereal/legume, maize/legume, and C4-non-maize/legume intercrops and maize in maize/C3-cereal intercrops. Equal N input in the sole crops and the intercrops resulted in LER and FNER being equal and N saving was entirely due to land saving, regardless of SFCs. Transgressive N input resulted in high LER but low FNER. ConclusionsThe study confirms that cereal/legume intercropping increases LER at zero N input. Strategies that tailor N input in intercropping to species demand (strategy 3) pair high productivity and LER to high fertilizer N use efficiency. The transgressive N input strategy maximizes LER at the expense of FNER, thus potentially generating high N losses.

The prospects of intercropping of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) with other vegetables on sorjan system in vulnerable southern coastal saline and non-saline areas of Bangladesh

The demand for food in Bangladesh is increasing due to the increasing population. Land is the primary natural resource that affords habitat and sustenance for living beings. In Bangladesh, the coastal areas cover an area of 47,201 km2 or 32 % of the total land under 19 districts of Bangladesh. The coastal southern saline and non-saline areas are vulnerable to water logging conditions and farmers cannot grow any crops except dry season (rabi). However, in some areas, farmers are trying to use their indigenous technologies to combat natural disasters to ensure food security. For example, floating, sorjan or raised bed systems are potential and farmers are practicing in these areas. Among these techniques, the sorjan bed system is one of the potential techniques that is extensively used in southern Bangladesh, particularly water logging conditions to improve food security. To enhance the production and make land cultivation profitable, the experiments were carried out at the farmers’ fields under the sorjan system in consecutive two growing seasons. The sole crop was brinjal (cv. BARI Begun-12), BARI Lalshak-1 (cv. Red amaranth), BARI Dhania-1 (cv. Coriander leaf), Cauliflower (cv. Cold queen), Cabbage (cv. Equatoria) and Knol Khol were utilized as intercropping with brinjal. The treatments were i) Sole brinjal, ii) Brinjal + Red amaranth, iii) Brinjal + Coriander leaf, iv) Brinjal + Cauliflower, v) Brinjal + Cabbage, and vi) Brinjal +. 24-day-old seedlings of the BARI Begun-12 grown in a nursery bed were transferred to the plots where the seeds of Red amaranth and Coriander leaf were directly sown. However, the seedlings of Cauliflower, Cabbage, and Knol Khol were also transplanted to the field after one week of transplanting brinjal. The results exposed that sole crops had the highest results in terms of days to flowering, days to first fruit set, days to first harvesting, leaf area, fruit length, fruit breadth, single fruit weight, fruits plant−1, fruit yield, TSS %, and dry matter %. In both years, brinjal exhibited the highest yield as the sole crop compared to intercropping. 48.12 t/ha and 46.27 t/ha in the first and second cropping seasons, respectively. In the first cropping season, Red amaranth, Coriander leaf, Cauliflower, Cabbage, and Knol Khol performed with a yield of 10.12, 7.23, 23.14, 22.87, and 9.05 t/ha. During the second cropping season, the same crops exhibited a yield of 10.05, 7.01, 23.09, 22.68, and 9.98 t/ha. The highest land equivalent ratio, gross return, net return, and BCR were obtained from brinjal-cauliflower intercropping, which was 1.74, 1049300 BDT, 553820 BDT, and 2.12, respectively, in the 2021–2022 cropping season and 1.78, 1057900 BDT, 562010 BDT, and 2.13, respectively, in the next season in 2022–2023. This intercropping approach resulted in a higher land equivalent ratio, net return, and benefit-cost ratio of 1.76, 557915 BDT, and 2.125, respectively, over the average of two successive cropping seasons.

Intercropping Chickpea with Durum Wheat Enhances Nutrient Uptake and Grain Yield Under Low Phosphorus Availability

ABSTRACT Intercropping is a traditional farming system that increases crop diversity to strengthen agroecosystem functions while decreasing chemical inputs and minimizing negative environmental effects of crop production. However, the effect of intercropping legume-cereal in enhancing nutrient uptake and use efficiency under low phosphorus (P) soils is poorly understood. Growth, nodulation, P uptake and use efficiency, and changes in inorganic P availability in the rhizosphere of intercropped species were thus investigated in a field experiment with durum wheat and chickpea either grown alone or intercropped. The results showed that both plant biomass and grain yield, and consequently, the amount of P uptake by intercropped durum wheat increased significantly (30%, 12%, and 46%, respectively) compared with sole cropping during the two seasons. P availability increased in the rhizosphere of the two species, either grown as sole crops or as intercrops, and was enhanced by intercropping. Moreover, total biomass, grain yield, and P uptake were significantly improved, as indicated by higher land equivalent ratio (LER > 1) in intercropping over sole cropping treatments. The increased biomass and grain yield for intercropped durum wheat were associated with the stimulation of P absorption and use efficiency. Furthermore, intercropped wheat was more competitive than their respective chickpea over two growing seasons. The results of this study suggest that changes in the intercropped chickpea rhizosphere may enhance plant growth, P uptake, and use efficiency of the intercropped wheat under low-P soils.

Effect of Deficit Irrigation and Intercrop Competition on Productivity, Water Use Efficiency and Oil Quality of Chia in Semi-Arid Regions

Intercropping offers greater scope to introduce new crops. Cultivation of crops with diverse root architecture and different durations enhances the productivity of scarce resources like land and water. This study aimed to determine the effect of intercrop competition and irrigation regimes on yield, competition, land usage, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), and fatty acids of chia. The field experiment was conducted in semi-arid India during 2020–2022 with full (I100) and deficit irrigation (I50) and six intercrops. Results demonstrated that chia + fenugreek intercropping in I50 improved the crops’ competitiveness, land equivalent ratio (LER) (1.77), land use efficiency (142.5%), and the IWUE of chia (23.2%). Notably, a chia + radish/spinach system in I50 reduced the seed yield (42.6–45.0%) of chia over I100 monocropping. A chia + fenugreek system in I50 resulted in a higher seed yield (196.2 kg ha−1) than chia monocropping in I100. Further, chia + fenugreek intercropping resulted in higher omega-3 content (56.68%) under I100. Therefore, a chia + fenugreek system under I100 may be suggested over monocropping for better yield and oil quality. However, during water scarcity situations, growers can adopt a chia + fenugreek system under I50 which can give a similar chia equivalent yield and a higher LER and IWUE compared to chia monocropping under I100.

Productivity and profitability analysis of cauliflower as sole and intercropping with red amaranth and radish leafy vegetable

By using natural resources and agricultural inputs more effectively, intercropping is a desirable technique to boost crop output and economic return. The present study was conducted to figure out the most lucrative crop mix for an intercropping system of cauliflower with red amaranth and radish leafy vegetable. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used to set up the experiment. Treatments included nine different cropping systems, including sole cauliflower, sole red amaranth, sole radish leafy vegetable, cauliflower-red amaranth intercropping (1:1), cauliflower-leafy radish intercropping (1:1), cauliflower-red amaranth-leafy radish intercropping (1:1:1), cauliflower-red amaranth-leafy radish intercropping (2:1:1), cauliflower-red amaranth-leafy radish intercropping (1:2:1) and cauliflower-red amaranth-leafy radish intercropping (1:1:2) Productivity parameters of three intercrops (cauliflower-red amaranth-leafy radish) were collected and measured based on their yield and yield contributing traits in different stages of their growth upto the final harvest. And equivalent yield and land ratio along with benefit cost ratio were analyzed to check their profitability. Result illustrated that cauliflower, red amaranth and leafy radish produced the highest yield of 25.4, 13.5 and 18.6 tha-1, respectively when cultivated as a sole crop. However, when all of the three vegetables were grown as intercropping in different cropping system, cauliflower with red amaranth and leafy radish (1:1:1) produced the highest yield (33.2 tha-1) followed by cauliflower-red amaranth-radish intercropping (1:2:1) and cauliflower-red amaranth-radish intercropping (2:1:1) with the yield of 30.0 t ha-1 and 29.8 tha-1. After assessing the productivity and economic return, cauliflower with red amaranth and leafy radish (1:1:1) obtained the highest gross return (997102 Tk ha-1) and net return (512102 Tk ha-1) using the highest land equivalent ratio (2.0) followed by 900900 Tk ha-1 and 435900 Tk ha-1, respectively in the cropping system cauliflower-red amaranth-radish intercropping (1:2:1). The present study concluded that intercropping leafy vegetables (red amaranth and leafy radish) and cauliflower boosted overall productivity and economic return more than sole intercropping cauliflower.

Variation in over-yielding of pulse-oilseed intercrops

ContextIntercropping is used to improve crop productivity and sustainability. However, total and partial yields of intercrops vary widely due to both intercropping system and environment. Understanding the factors controlling this variability would be of value for crop producers deciding whether and how to adopt intercropping. ObjectiveOur objective was to determine the dominant factors controlling total and partial yields of pulse-oilseed intercrops in a semiarid region. MethodWe conducted a field study for three years in southern Alberta under both dryland and irrigated conditions with lentil (Lens culinaris) and pea (Pisum sativum) intercropped with canola (Brassica napus) or mustard (Sinapis alba). Oilseed plant density and N fertility was varied and competition for soil and fertilizer N was measured using 15N. ResultsCrop productivity expressed using the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) ranged from 0.98 to 1.75, similar to the range reported in the literature. High LER occurred when monocrop oilseed yields were strongly limited by N and increased when the oilseed crop was more competitive for fertilizer and soil N. In 2018, canola was about 4- to 6-fold more competitive for fertilizer N than pea or lentil and LER was high when N was limiting. In 2019 and 2020, mustard was about 3-fold more competitive than lentil but no more competitive than pea and LER was only higher when mustard was intercropped with lentil and N was limiting. Modifying oilseed plant density primarily impacted partial yields, not LER. Application of N fertilizer at 50 kg ha-1 reduced LER by 12%, whether applied at seeding or at five weeks. Over-yielding in this study was largely controlled by complementary N use, with variation in total and partial yields largely accounted for by the deficit in N supply for the oilseed crop, relative crop competiveness for soil N, and plant density. ImplicationsThe primary benefit of intercropping pulse and oilseed crops is sustained crop productivity with reduced N fertilizer inputs or under variable N sufficiency. Reliable prediction of total and partial yields should be feasible and allow crop producers to evaluate whether and how to incorporate intercrops into crop rotations. Studies on intercrops of legumes with non-legumes should include an N-sufficient non-legume control and benefit from the use of 15N to measure competition for soil N.

Intercropping durum wheat and chickpea increases nutrient availability and use efficiency under low phosphorus soils

Intercropping cereals with legumes may achieve high crop yields at reduced input levels. However, few data are available with regards to the ability of the intercropping legumes and cereals to increases nutrient availability and use efficiency under low phosphorus soils. To address this question, chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. cv. Flip 90-13 C) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum durum L. cv. Simeto), were grown as sole- and inter-crops over two growing seasons 2019 and 2020. The results showed that both the plant biomass and nodulation and, consequently, the amount of P uptake were significantly increased for intercropping than for sole cropping and so more in 2020 compared to 2019. Moreover, grain yield and resource P use efficiency were significantly improved, as indicated by higher land equivalent ratio (LER > 1) in intercropping over sole cropping treatments. Nevertheless, the intercropped chickpea considerably increased the inorganic P availability in durum wheat rhizosphere over two growing seasons. Our findings suggest that intercropping promotes the ability of durum wheat and chickpea to increase rhizosphere nutrient availability and land use efficiency under low-P soils conditions.

Effect of spatial arrangement of faba bean variety intercropping with maize on yield and yield components of the crops

Efficient maize-faba bean intercropping system for optimum grain yield and productivity is needed in order to use the limited land and to enhance food security of the smallholder farmers. A field experiment was conducted at Haramaya, eastern Ethiopia during the 2018 and 2019 main cropping seasons to determine the effect of variety and spatial arrangement on a maize-faba bean intercropping system on yield components and yields of the component crops and the productivity of the system. The treatments consisted of the recommended 100% plant populations of maize (Baate) variety intercropped with 50% of the recommended density of four faba bean varieties (Yeferenji Baqela, Yehabesha Baqela, Batte and Gachena). The component crops were sown at three levels of spatial arrangements (1:1 1:2 and 2:2), whereas sole maize and the four faba beans were sole-planted. The treatments were laid out as a randomized complete block design with three replications in factorial approach. The results revealed that cropping season affected all the maize variables-cropped. Sole-cropped maize gave the higher grain yield (5.91 t ha−1) compared to intercropping system. Maize intercropped with 2:2 spatial arrangements gave the highest grain yield (5.37 t ha−1). Sole-cropped faba bean gave higher seed yield (2.04 t ha−1) than intercropped faba bean. The 1:1 spatial arrangement was superior in number of pods per plant (5.27), aboveground dry biomass (3.81 t ha−1), and seed yield (0.86 t ha−1) to the other spatial arrangements. Variety Gachena was superior to the other varieties in number of pods per plant (5.49), above ground dry biomass (3.77 t ha−1), seed yield (0.88 t ha−1). Land equivalent ratio (LER) was unaffected by variety differences; however, a 26.8% yield advantage was achieved at 1:1 spatial arrangement in which the highest LER (1.268) value was obtained. The highest gross monetary value (GMV) (96,308 ETB ha−1), maize equivalent yield (MEY) (6420.53 kg ha−1) and monetary advantage index (MAI) (17,506) was obtained from Gachena variety. A 1:1 spatial arrangement gave the maximum GMV (94,162 ETB ha−1), MEY (6277.49 kg ha−1) and MAI (18,761). Therefore, it is concluded that intercropping of Gachena variety in a 1:1 spatial arrangement with maize resulted in the highest productivity and economic advantage for the farmers of the study area.

Influence of Different Intercropping Patterns and Crop Nutrient Sources on Yields of Soybean (Glycine Max)/Maize (Zea Mays) Intercrops in Karara (Lokoja Lga), Kogi State, Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted during 2017 and 2018 rainy seasons at the Kogi State Agricultural Development farm at Karara (Lat. 8.230N, Long. 6.560E Alt. 343.00m) in Kogi State, Nigeria to investigates the influence of different cropping patterns and crop nutrient sources on yields of Soybean-Maize intercrops. Treatment consisted of two crops (Maize and Soybean), two fertilizer sources [Organic source (Poultry Manure) and Mineral Fertilizer (Urea)] and Intercropping patterns (2:2, 2:3, 2:4, 2:5), sole maize and soybean as control. All the treatments were given factorial combination and laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The experiment was carried out for two years, the averages obtained indicates the superiority of 2:2 intercropping system over all other systems as exemplified by higher Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) of 1.13, Aggressivity (A) of 0.458, and Competitive Ratio (CR) of 1.63. The 2:2 intercropping system however showed the lowest Relative Crowding Coefficient (RCC) of 0.088 which is an indication for high productivity. Application of mineral fertilizer in the form of Urea was found to be more effective than the use of Poultry manure in both years of the experiment soybean had higher Relative Crowding Coefficient (RCC), Competitive Ratio (CR), and Aggressivity (A) values than maize. Use of mineral fertilizer in the form of urea was more effective than poultry manure in both years. Soybean was more superior in competition than maize, and its productivity dominated the total biomass yields. It was therefore concluded that intercropping soybean with maize at a 2:2 ratio has the potential to improve not only the seed yield but other associated biological yields and high land use efficiently.

Quantitative and Qualitative Yield of Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) in Response to Intercropping Pattern and Integrated Application of Chemical and Biological Phosphorus Fertilizers

ABSTRACT Intercropping between cereals and legumes can increase resource use efficiency, agricultural productivity, and yield sustainability and reduce chemical inputs. For these reasons, this experiment was performed as factorial arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications in experimental station of Guilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Rasht, Iran in 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons. Experimental treatments included five levels of phosphorus fertilizer (PF) as triple super phosphate (TSP) including : 1- Zero (as control), 2–50 kg ha-1 TSP, 3–100 kg ha-1 TSP, 4–50 kg ha-1 TSP+200 g ha-1 Barvar2 phosphate bio-fertilizer (BPB) and 5–100 kg ha-1 TSP+200 g ha-1 BPB, and five IPs (IP) including: 1- maize (Zea mays L.) sole cropping, 2- groundnut sole cropping, 3- intercropped groundnut-maize with the ratio of 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2 rows, . Although, maximum grain yield of maize and groundnut was obtained in response to the application of 100 kg ha-1 TSP plus 200 g ha-1 BPB under sole cropping, the highest land equivalent ratio (LER) was observed under zero usage of TSP and intercropped maize-groundnut with the ratio of 1:1 rows. Crops in intercropping system have a complementary effect together. In this experiment, LER values greater than 1.00 indicated an intercrop advantage to sole crop. Results showed that IP increases the quantity and quality of products by increment in plant diversity, ecological balance, more utilization of resources, and reduction of damage by pests, diseases, and weeds in agricultural ecosystems.

Influence of Eucalyptus Agroforestry on Crop Yields, Soil Properties, and System Economics in Southern Regions of India

Agroforestry benefits farmers, making it a sustainable alternative to monoculture. To create a viable Eucalyptus clone-based agroforestry system, a field experiment was carried out in Tamil Nadu, India. The economics and changes in the soil qualities were evaluated by growing agricultural and horticultural crops, namely pearl millet, sorghum, maize, sesame, small onions, green gram, and red gram, as intercrops under eight-month-old eucalyptus clone trees using a randomised block design in three replications at a spacing of 3 m × 1.5 m. The plots for the intercrops and the eucalyptus clones were kept apart for comparison. Maize showed the greatest drop in plant height during all the phases, including 30 DAS, 60 DAS, and harvest, while small onions showed the least reduction in plant height. Sesame and small onions showed the greatest drop in dry matter production, whereas sorghum showed the least. In terms of the intercrop yield reduction, maize had the biggest reduction and green gram had the lowest. Red gram had the largest crop equivalent yield, whereas maize had the lowest. The volume of the trees was generally increased more favourably by red gram than by green gram. The intercrops had some effects on the nutrients in the soil. Red gram intercropping had the highest levels of EC, soil organic carbon, available soil nitrogen, available soil phosphorus, and available soil potassium, while the sole tree treatment had the lowest levels. Small onions, red gram, and sesame were the crops; tree + small onion, tree + red gram, and tree + sesame were the intercrop combinations with the highest gross income, net income, and B:C in the intercropping treatment alone. Tree + green gram had the highest land equivalent ratio (LER) and the red gram, sesame, and small onion intercrops were shown to be the most profitable. Although the present study supports a complementary relationship, the lack of awareness among farmers of Eucalyptus allelopathy formed the major limitation.

IMPACT OF LEGUMES AND CEREALS ON OLIVE PRODUCTIVITY IN THE SOUTH MEDITERRANEAN

Intercropping of trees with crops on the same piece of land at a given time has been hypothesized to: enhance crop yield, increase land-use and improve land equivalent ratio (LER). To address this hypothesis, we evaluated two legumes faba bean, lentil and three cereals durum wheat, soft wheat and barley grown in olive (Olea europea) agroforestry during two growing seasons (Y) with contrasting weather (Y1: 2015-2016 and Y2: 2016-2017) under a Mediterranean climate of north western Morocco. We assessed the effect of annual crops on olive growth and yield; the effect of trees on annual crop growth, yield components, and final yields; finally, we calculated the land equivalent ratio (LER) of olive agroforestry to assess the productivity of the associations. Legumes had no effect on olive growth and yield, while cereals negatively affected shoot elongation and olive yield compared to olive in sole crop. Olive limited crop growth and yield of all associated crops and yield reduction was around 33 % for legumes and 47 % for cereals in agroforestry than sole crop. The magnitude of reduction was higher in Y1 than Y2. Similar responses were found when comparing crops at different distances from trees. Annual crops generally had lower biomass and yield, near the trees compared to the middle of tree inter-rows, causing significant spatial heterogeneity in crops. The LER reached 1.36 with lentil and 1.33 with faba bean, the lowest LER was recorded with durum wheat in both years with 1.01 in Y1 and 1.02 in Y2, and the highest LER with cereals was registered with soft wheat and reached 1.19 in Y1.

Growth and Productivity of Cauliflower in Aonla Based Multistoried Agroforestry System

Fruit tree vegetable-based agroforestry systems (FVAS) are being introduced in highland cropping systems of Bangladesh. This combined production system is applicable against changing climate, ensuring nutritional requirements along with food security, ecological balance, and economic profitability. The present study explored the performance of cauliflower as lower story crop in aonla based multistoried agroforestry system. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replication. The treatments were T1= Aonla + carambola + lemon + dragon fruit + cauliflower, T2= Aonla + dragon fruit + cauliflower, T3= Dragon fruit + cauliflower, T4= Cauliflower in the open field (Control). Among different combinations of agroforestry systems, the highest curd yield of cauliflower (15 t ha-1) was recorded under dragon fruit-based system (T3) whereas most of the morphological parameters were maximum in the aonla + carambola + lemon + dragon fruit-based system (T1). The highest benefit–cost ratio (2.95) was noted in aonla+dragon+cauliflower-based system (T2) followed by dragon fruit based system (T3), while the highest land equivalent ratio (3.78) was calculated in the aonla + carambola + lemon + dragon fruit-based system (T1). This study revealed that, aonla + dragon + cauliflower based agroforestry system showed relatively higher economic returns and maximum land use efficiency in the upland cropping system.

Productivity and Economics of Intercropping of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) and Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) in Rainfed Hills of Uttarakhand

A field experiment on finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) and amaranth ( Amaranth spp.) intercropping was carried out for two consecutive years during kharif season of 2016 and 2017 at College of Forestry, Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India to identify the most promising intercropping systems for improving productivity of cropping system followed in rainfed hills of Uttarakhand. Seven treatments consist of T1: Sole finger millet, T2: Sole Amaranth, T3: Finger millet+Amaranth (4:1) T4: Finger millet+Amaranth (90:10), T5: Finger millet+Amaranth (85:15), T6: Finger millet+Amaranth (80:20), T7: Farmer’s practice of Finger millet+Amaranth (60:40) was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Finger millet + Amaranth (90:10) i.e., T4, produced 58.8% higher finger millet grain equivalent yield (FMEY) over farmer’s practice (T7) of finger millet and amaranth (60:40) and 27.7% higher than the sole amaranth ( T2). The significantly higher finger millet straw equivalent yield was recorded in sole FM (T1) than farmers practice (T7) and was statistically on par with finger millet+amaranth (4:1) (T3) and finger millet+amaranth (90:10) (T4) However, highest land equivalent ratio (1.12), net returns (Rs. 31366 ha-1) and benefit cost: ratios (2.30) were also recorded with (T4) finger millet+ amaranth (90:10 ratio). The lowest benefit cost ratio (1.12) was registered in (T7) farmer’s practice. Therefore line sowing of finger millet+amaranth (90:10 ratios) would be more beneficial than the mixed cropping in rainfed hills of Uttarakhand.

Effect of Planting System on Productivity of Hybrid Maize-Indian Spinach Intercropping System

A field experiment was undertaken at Joydebpur, Jashore and Ishurdi Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute during Kharif seasons of 2016 and 2017 to find out suitable combination of hybrid maize and Indian spinach as intercropping system for higher productivity and monetary advantage. Treatments included in the experiment were: T1 = Hybrid maize normal row (75 cm × 20 cm ) + 1 row Indian spinach (plant to plant 25 cm), T2 = Hybrid maize paired row (37.5 cm/150 cm × 20 cm) + 1 row Indian spinach (plant to plant 25 cm), T3 = Hybrid maize paired row (37.5 cm/150 cm × 20 cm) + 2 rows Indian spinach (plant to plant 25 cm), T4 = Hybrid maize paired row (37.5 cm/150 cm × 20 cm) + 3 rows Indian spinach (plant to plant 25 cm), T5 = Sole maize (75 cm × 20 cm) and T6 = Sole Indian spinach (40 cm × 25 cm). Grain yield of maize was the maximum in sole crop but it was decreased 1.0 to 12.6% at Joydebpur, 5.2 to 17.1% at Jashore and 13.4 to 22.2% at Ishurdi due to inter specific competition for growth resources among maize and Indian spinach due to intercropping. All intercropping treatments showed better performance than sole maize crop. The highest maize equivalent yield (19.22 and 18.80 t ha-1 at Joydebpur, 13.30 and 11.58 t ha-1 at Jashore and 11.23 and 11.10 t ha-1 at Ishurdi in 2016 and 2017, respectively), gross margin (Tk. 196300 and Tk. 192000 ha-1 at Joydebpur, Tk. 111130 and Tk. 85330 ha-1 at Jashore and Tk. 88450 and Tk. 86500 ha-1 at Ishurdi in 2016 and 2017, respectively) and benefit cost ratio (3.13 and 3.07 at Joydebpur, 2.26 and 1.97 at Jashore and 2.11 and 2.08 at Ishurdi in 2016 and 2017, respectively) were observed in hybrid maize paired row + 3 rows Indian spinach intercropping. The highest land equivalent ratio (1.32 and 1.39 at Joydebpur and 1.50 and 1.47 at Jashore in 2016 and 2017, respectively) was also found in the same treatment. On the other hand, at Ishurdi, the highest LER (1.34 and 1.35 in 2016 and 2017, respectively) was observed in MNR + 1 rows ISP treatment followed by MPR + 3 rows ISP treatment. The results revealed that hybrid maize paired row + 3 rows Indian spinach and Hybrid maize normal row + 1 row Indian spinach intercropping might be economically profitable for hybrid maize + Indian spinach intercropping system at Joydebpur, Jashore and Ishurdi.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(1): 75-82

Early Bolting, Yield, and Quality of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels Responses to Intercropping Patterns.

Intercropping is a sustainable method for cultivating medicinal herbs since it requires lower dependence on chemical fertilizers than a sole cropping system. In this study, we compared the effects of sole cropping and intercropping on early bolting, yield, and the chemical composition of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels. Field experiments were conducted, in 2018 and in 2019, using different cropping systems including sole cropping of A. sinensis (AS), sole cropping of Vicia faba (VF), and intercropping (without fertilization) at three ratios: one row of A. sinensis + three rows of V. faba, AS/VF (1:3), two rows of A. sinensis + two rows V. faba, AS/VF (2:2), three rows of A. sinensis + one row V. faba, AS/VF (3:1). The effect of each cropping system was evaluated by measuring the dry biomass of V. faba and the dry biomass, ferulic acid content, and essential oil content and composition of A. sinensis. The early bolting rate of A. sinensis was significantly lower in the intercropping system as compared with that in a sole cropping system. The AS/VF (3:1) intercropping pattern resulted in an optimal yield and the highest ferulic acid content of A. sinensis, highest dry biomass of V. faba, and highest land equivalent ratio (LER). Additionally, the A. sinensis was more aggressive (the aggressivity value of A. sinensis was positive, and its competitive ratio was >1) under AS/VF (3:1) intercropping pattern, and it dominated over V. faba (which had negative aggressivity values and a competitive ratio of <1) under AS/VF (3:1) intercropping pattern. Ligustilide was the most dominant component of the essential oil of A. sinensis, regardless of the cropping system; however, the chemical component of essential oil was not influenced by intercropping patterns. Overall, the AS/VF (3:1) intercropping pattern without fertilization was the most productive, with the highest LER and ferulic acid content. These data indicate that intercropping can serve as an alternative for reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and intercropping also decreases the early bolting rate of A. sinensis, thus, enabling its sustainable production.

Growth and Yield of Dragon Fruit in Aonla based Multistoried Fruit Production Model

The study was conducted at the aonla based agroforestry experimental field of the department of Agroforestry and Environment, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University from June, 2019 to July, 2020 to develop a multistoried food production model for the terrace ecosystem of Bangladesh. The experiment was carried out under twenty years old aonla orchard which was considered as upper storied component, while two minor fruits namely carambola and lemon were used as middle storied component. Dragon fruit was the test crop grown in the alley of tree lines. The experiment was laid out in a two-factor randomized complete block design with three replications. Three different production systems (T1: aonla + carambola + lemon + dragon fruit, T2: aonla + dragon fruit, and T3: dragon fruit as sole) were considered as the three different levels of factor A. Two dragon fruit genotypes i.e. red fleshed dragon fruit (V1), and white fleshed dragon fruit (V2) were considered as the two levels of factor B. Red fleshed genotype produced the highest plant height, maximum number of branches and fruit yield compared to those of white fleshed genotype irrespective of treatment combinations. Total height increment, mean annual increment and current annual increment of plant height were found maximum in red fleshed genotype in multistoried conditions. A negative linear relationship was observed between plant height and Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) but a positive linear relationship was noticed between the yield of dragon fruit and PAR. The highest Land Equivalent Ratio was observed in aonla + carambola + lemon + dragon fruit with white fleshed genotype. The result revealed that red fleshed dragon fruit genotype was found suitable for partial shade conditions like aonla tree and successfully grown without scarifying the significant yield loss compared to that of the open field.

Optimizing arrangement and density in maize and alfalfa intercropping and the reduced incidence of the invasive fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in southern China

Maize and alfalfa intercropping has yield advantages and is an important cropping system. However, the row arrangement and density design of narrow-strip intercropping systems require improvement for the synergistic production of maize and alfalfa with higher yield advantages. Moreover, whether this system is adequate for pest control is unclear. In this study, a three-year field experiment was conducted at Yunnan in southwestern China. Using monocultures of maize and alfalfa as controls (CK), the experimental design comprised intercropping with three row arrangements: 2M2A (two maize rows with two alfalfa rows); 1M3A (one maize row with three alfalfa rows); and 2M3A (two maize rows with three alfalfa rows) under low density with a replacement design and high density with an additive design for the maize density. The growth and yield of maize and alfalfa were measured; the total and partial land equivalent ratio, overyielding of intercropping, and the competition ratio of crops were evaluated. Moreover, the incidence of the invasive fall armyworm ( Spodoptera frugiperda , a major agricultural pest) was investigated. Maize and alfalfa intercropping produced a yield advantage, with 1.31 being the highest land equivalent ratio. The yield was affected by planting row arrangement and maize density. The land equivalent ratio of 1M3A was significantly higher than that of 2M2A and 2M3A by 20% and 18%, respectively. A high maize density with additive design increased the land equivalent ratio by 8% compared with a low maize density with replacement design; the maize had a competitive advantage in intercropping; the row arrangement significantly affected the alfalfa yield but not the maize yield, while a high maize density with additive design slightly increased maize yield compared with a low maize density with replacement design, but had no significant effect on alfalfa yield. In addition, compared with sole maize cropping, intercropping significantly reduced the incidence of the invasive fall armyworm by 80%. These findings suggested that increasing the alfalfa row number and maize density improved the land equivalent ratio for narrow-strip intercropping, and that the 1M3A arrangement under high maize density with an additive design synergistically produced maize and alfalfa. Importantly, the results also suggest that maize and alfalfa intercropping has the potential to ecologically control the incidence of the fall armyworm for the sustainable production of maize. • Low alfalfa production should be increased in narrow-strip intercropping with maize. • Optimizing arrangement and density increased both the alfalfa and maize yield. • One high density maize with three alfalfa rows was recommended for application. • Intercropped alfalfa reduced the incidence of invasive fall armyworm on maize.