Intercropping Treatments Research Articles

Evaluating the Intercropping of Millet with Cowpea for Forage Yield and Quality

A field study was scheduled to estimate the impact of intercropping of pearl millet with cowpea on forage yield and quality at Agronomy Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. It was done in kharif season 2016. Randomized complete block design was used to conduct this experiment. It has three replications. The size of net plot is 3.6 m × 6 m. It comprised of five treatments (T1 = one row of millet alternating with one row of cowpea (1M:1C), T2 = two rows of millet alternating with one row of cowpea (2M:1C), T3 = one row of millet alternating with two rows of cowpea (1M:2C), T4 = sole millet, T5 = sole cowpea). We found that intercropping significantly effected the yield and quality of forage. Intercropping system had significant effects on nutritive value of forage crop. Within various treatments of intercropping, it is evident that treatment T2 (two rows of millet alternating with one row of cowpea) gives maximum total dry matter yield (9.68 t ha-1). It was then tracked by treatment T1 (one row of millet alternating with one row of cowpea) and treatment T3 (one row of millet alternating with two rows of cowpea) producing dry matter yield (9.07 t ha-1 and 8.33 t ha-1, respectively). Based on high grain and suitable environmental condition, intercrop productivity compared to sole crop could be selected for improving the productivity of millet/cowpea mixture in the Punjab.

Productivity and water-use efficiency of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)-based cropping systems as influenced by integrated nutrient management under rainfed condition

A field experiment was carried out at Kanpur during rabi seasons of 2015–16 and 2016–17. The experiment consisted of nine cropping systems viz. C1: Linseed sole, C2: Lentil sole, C3: Barley sole, C4: Linseed + lentil (3: 1), C5: Linseed + barley (3: 1), C6: Linseed + lentil (4: 1), C7: Linseed + barley (4: 1), C8: Linseed + lentil (5: 1) and C9: Linseed + barley (5: 1), and three integrated nutrient management options viz. N1: RDN, N2: 75% RDN through inorganic + 25% RDN through vermicompost N3: 75% RDN through inorganic + 25% RDN through vermicompost + bio-fertilizer (seed coating) + PSB @ 2.5 kg ha−1 in soil. The experiment was conducted in a three-time replicated split-plot design keeping cropping systems in main-plots and INM in sub-plots. The results clearly reveals that seed, stover/or straw yields of linseed, lentil and barley was influenced significantly in sole cropping as compared to intercropped treatments. Amongst the cropping system the maximum seed and stover yield was obtained in linseed + lentil (3: 1) and linseed + barley (3: 1) during the two different years. The use of integrated nutrient management further exhibited the significance over RDN. Linseed equivalent yield was highest (13.33 & 12.11 q ha−1) in the treatment of linseed + lentil (3: 1) during 2015–16 & 2016–17, respectively. The application of INM further showed significance and use of 75% RDN through inorganic + 25% RDN through vermicompost + bio-fertilizer (seed coating) + PSB @ 2.5 kg ha−1 in soil exhibited significantly higher values during the years of study. Maximum water-use was found in relevant sole crops of linseed, lentil and barley whereas highest WUE of 6.15 & 5.44 kg ha−1 mm−1 was observed in the treatment of linseed + lentil (3: 1). The corresponding lowest values of 2.24 & 1.97 kg ha−1 mm−1 were observed in the treatment of barley sole during the two different years.

Performance of Intercropping Groundnut with Sesame

The experiment was carried out at the farmers’ field of On-Farm Research Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Mymensingh during two consecutive years 2015 and 2016 to find out the suitable intercropping system for increasing crop productivity and profitability of groundnut with sesame intercropping system. The treatments were T1=sole groundnut, T2=sole sesame, T3= Two rows of groundnut in between paired rows of sesame and T4= Three rows of groundnut in between paired rows of sesame. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with six dispersed replications. Between intercropped treatments, three rows of groundnut within paired rows of sesame showed higher sesame equivalent yield (2.33 tha-1) and groundnut equivalent yield (2.14 tha-1) which provided the yield advantages of 108 and 32% over the respective sole crops. The highest land equivalent ratio (1.64), gross return (Tk 1,28,350 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.15) were also achieved in three rows of groundnut within paired rows of sesame compared to other intercropping and sole cropping systems. The result showed that three rows of groundnut in between paired rows of sesame is found most productive and profitable than sole sesame or sole groundnut for maximum profit in Mymensingh regionBangladesh Agron. J. 2017, 20(1): 99-105

Shifts in soil microbial community, soil enzymes and crop yield under peanut/maize intercropping with reduced nitrogen levels

A field experiment with five nitrogen (N) application rates (120, 140, 160, 180, 200kghm−2) under peanut/maize intercropping regime was conducted to evaluate cropping patterns and N application rates on yield, soil enzyme activities, and rhizosphere microbial community structure. The field experiment showed that the land equivalent ratio (LER) in maize/peanut intercropping system was not decreased as compared with the monoculture pattern, though the total N supply was approximately reduced by 20%. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) results showed that the treatments of intercropping (IMP100%, IMP80% and IMP60%) increased the abundance of Rhizobium hainanense, Rhizobium leguminosarum and Frankia which are associated with nitrogen fixation as compared to monoculture pattern (M100% and P100%). The qPCR results revealed that the copy number of nifH was significantly higher in the treatments of intercropping than in monoculture pattern. The result was also consistent with the T-RFLP analysis. In conclusion, peanut and maize under the condition of intercropping can promote the population of microorganisms associated with nitrogen-fixing in the rhizospheric soil. Our results provide a theoretical basis and technical support to soil N utilization, development of low carbon agriculture and protection of farmland ecological environment.

Bird response to intercropping switchgrass within a loblolly pine plantation

ABSTRACTGlobal interest in alternative, renewable energy sources has led to the development of novel land‐use practices and techniques aimed at maximizing energy production while also minimizing environmental, economic, and societal costs. One such novel practice is intercropping switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) within loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations. However, minimal knowledge currently exists regarding the influence of intercropping switchgrass on ecosystem functions and services and biological diversity of loblolly pine plantations. Therefore, we assessed the influence of intercropping switchgrass on breeding‐bird species density and community composition during 2014–2015 in Mississippi, USA. We had 3,619 detections encompassing 39 species, with 10 species used in density analysis. Breeding‐bird density estimates did not significantly differ for 8 out the 10 species modeled between control and intercrop treatments. However, white‐eyed vireo (Vireo griseus) and indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea) densities differed between intercrop and control, with white‐eyed vireos having a greater density on control and indigo buntings having a greater density on intercrop. Treatment influenced breeding‐bird community composition, with monocultures supporting an atypical species composition within a loblolly pine plantation, but species composition did not differ between control and intercrop treatments. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.

MAIZE–SOYBEAN INTERCROPPING FOR SUSTAINABLE INTENSIFICATION OF CEREAL–LEGUME CROPPING SYSTEMS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

SUMMARYField studies were conducted during the 2014 and 2015 wet seasons at Zaria in the northern Guinea savanna and at Iburu in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria to determine the productivity of maize–soybean intercropping system. There were four treatment combinations in the experiment: sole maize; sole soybean; maize spaced at 50 cm and intercropped with soybean; and maize spaced at 65 cm and intercropped with soybean. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that sole cropped maize and soybean generally outperformed the intercropped component crops. Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) was greater than 1 for all the intercrop treatments, indicating that it is advantageous to grow maize and soybean in association than in pure stands. Except for 2014 in Zaria, LER for intercropped maize spaced at 50 cm was higher than that for maize spaced at 65 cm. Gross Monetary Value (GMV) was generally higher for intercrops than sole crops except in Iburu in 2015 where GMV for intercropped maize spaced at 65 cm was similar to those of sole maize and soybean. Monetary Advantage Index (MAI) was positive for all intercrop treatments in both locations and years, which shows definite yield and economic advantages compared to the sole cropping systems. This suggests that farmers can intercrop soybean and maize with maize spaced at 50 cm and 65 cm.

Intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) with lablab (Lablab purpureus L.) for sustainable fodder production and quality in smallholder rural farming systems in South Africa

ABSTRACTAn on-farm field experiment was conducted in South Africa’s rural Moist Tall Grassveld region which is characterized by overgrazing and a reduced grazing capacity. The grassland is sour veld and only provides palatable material during the 6-month growing season. The experiment was conducted to assess the effect of intercropping maize with lablab on maize fodder, grain yield, and quality, social and economic aspects. The results indicated superiority of intercropping over sole cropping, with intercropping treatments showing consistent superiority across 4 years of the experiment. Maize grain and fodder yields were positively influenced by intercropping with lablab. The maize fodder and total fodder yields were higher in intercropped than in sole maize plots. The maize grain DM yield of the first harvest in maize-only treatment was not significantly higher than in M + L treatment. Intercropping significantly increased crude protein of maize leaves and reduced the leaves’ fiber content. Crude protein contents were lower and fiber contents higher in maize stalks and leaves than in lablab. The field trial demonstrated that diverse plant communities in the form of intercropping provide sustainable production, positive environmental, and social impacts through reduced agrochemicals and are economically viable through cost avoidance and savings. The results of this study suggest that including lablab in traditional maize cropping systems can be beneficial when entanglement of maize is avoided by delayed under sowing of lablab.

Canopy management practices in mulberry: impact on fine and coarse roots

Canopy management practices viz. lopping, pruning, coppicing and pollarding in trees alter branch density, height, leaf area index and rooting pattern of the trees. The present study was conducted to quantify the impact of canopy management practices and intercropping on fine and coarse roots distribution in mulberry (Morus alba). In total, six treatments comprising of three management practices (pollarding, coppicing and lopping) and two cropping situations (intercropping and without intercropping) were evaluated. Vertical and lateral distribution of fine root biomass (FRB) was recorded through sequential core method in different seasons. Coarse root distribution and biomass was studied using excavation method. Results revealed that canopy management treatments viz., coppicing and pollarding reduced the FRB as compared to lopping treatment in both intercropped and non-intercropped situation. Results also revealed that majority of the fine root biomass (67.3%) was confined in 0–15 cm soil layer. All the canopy management treatments under non-intercropped plots showed higher production rate as compared to intercropped plots. Fine root turnover rate (yr−1) was highest (0.592) in lopping treatment in non-intercropped plots whereas, the minimum turnover rate was recorded in coppicing treatment (0.331) in non-intercropped plots. Coarse root biomass was highest in case of intercropped plots in all the three canopy management treatments. Pollarding + turmeric cultivation showed the maximum root biomass followed by lopping + turmeric intercropping treatment. The main and primary roots in all the treatments accounted for > 70% biomass except for coppicng + turmeric treatment, whereas secondary and tertiary roots contributed about 40% biomass. All the treatments showed a pronounced decrease in root biomass with increasing soil depth and 75–84% of the total root biomass (main + lateral roots) was allocated in the top 30 cm of the soil profile. From the study, it can be concluded that tree management practices have direct impact on fine and coarse root distribution and should be judiciously used for avoiding competition in intercropping situation.

Vegetable Intercropping in a Small-Scale Aquaponic System

This paper reports the results of the first study of an aquaponic system for Pangasianodon hypophthalmus production that uses Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) and Cichorium intybus L. rubifolium group (red chicory) intercropping in the hydroponic section. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland, using nine small-scale aquaponic systems (each approximately 400 L), with the nutrient film technique (NFT). The intercropping of vegetables did not influence the water temperature, pH, electric conductivity (EC), oxidation–reduction potential, nor O2 content. Intercropping with red chicory increased the lettuce sugar content (+16.0% and +25.3% for glucose and fructose, respectively) and reduced the lettuce caffeic acid content (−16.8%). In regards to bitter taste compounds (sesquiterpene lactones), intercropping reduced the concentrations of dihydro-lactucopicrin + lactucopicrin (−42.0%) in lettuce, and dihydro-lactucopicrin + lactucopicrin (−22.0%) and 8-deoxy–lactucin + dihydro-lactucopicrin oxalate (−18.7%) in red chicory, whereas dihydro-lactucin content increased (+40.6%) in red chicory in regards to monoculture. A significantly higher organic nitrogen content was found in the lettuce (3.9%) than in the red chicory biomass (3.4%), following the intercropping treatment. Anion and cation contents in vegetables were affected by species (Cl−, NO3−, PO43−, SO42−, and Ca2+), intercropping (K+ and Mg2+), and species × intercropping interactions (NO2− and NH4+). Experimental treatments (monoculture vs intercropping and distance from NFT inlet) did not exert significant effects on leaf SPAD (index of relative chlorophyll content) values, whereas the red coloration of the plants increased from the inlet to the outlet of the NFT channel. Intercropping of lettuce and red chicory affected the typical taste of these vegetables by increasing the sweetness of lettuce and changing the ratio among bitter taste compounds in red chicory. These results suggest intercropping as a possible solution for improving vegetable quality in aquaponics. Although the results are interesting, they have been obtained in a relatively short period, thus investigations for longer periods are necessary to confirm these findings. Further studies are also needed to corroborate the positive effect of the presence of red chicory in the system on fish production parameters.

Does maize hybrid intercropping increase yield due to border effects?

In China, maize hybrid intercropping has been practiced by farmers for its higher grain yield, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we present field experimental data on yield and yield components of maize hybrid cultivars under intercropping system. These cultivars differ in plant heights (i.e. Zhengdan958 with plant height of 270cm, Xianyu335 of 325cm, Huayi5 of 330cm, and Xundan20 of 273cm) and were planted in 8 different intercropping configurations, along with 6 sole cropping treatments in two years. Yield advantages of 0.15–1.7tha−1 were detected under maize hybrid intercropping treatments as compared to sole cropping treatments in one year. Seasonal climate variation and hybrid configuration influenced the interspecific interactions between hybrid cultivars, resulting in different increase of grain yield. Cultivar Zhengdan958 had a lower grain yield per plant and thousand kernel weight under intercropping comparing to sole cropping, while cultivars Xianyu335 and Huayi5 under intercropping increased grain yield per plant and thousand kernel weight, resulting in a land equivalent ratio greater than 1. Additionally, the land equivalent ratio was positively and significantly (P<0.01) correlated with border effects. This study indicates that there is potential for yield improvement of maize hybrids through intercropping system in China, and the land equivalent ratio was affected by hybrids used in intercropping and seasonal climate variation.

EXPLORING STRIP INTERCROPPING POTENTIALS OF MAIZE-PULSE CROPS TO FIGHT CLIMATE VARIABILITY IMPACTS IN DRYLAND AREAS

Recent climate variability affects maize production in dryland areas. This study aimed to explore potentials of strip intercropping of maize-pulse crops in improving productivity of dryland areas. The study was conducted in dryland area of Gumantar village, North Lombok (8.253654 S, 116.285695 E). Soil in that area was categorized as poor soil with the following properties: 0.46% organic matter, 0.05% N total (Kejdhal), available P 11.25 ppm (Olsen) and exchangeable K 0.77 me%, pH 7.0 and field capacity 29% (%/V). Rainfall data were collected during the growing seasons of 2016/2016 and 2016/2017. A field experiment of maize-pulse crops strip intercropping was conducted during a dry season of 2016. The component crops in the strip intercropping were maize NK212, maize NK7328, mungbean Vima-1 and groundnut Hypoma-1. All component crops were grown as monocropping and strip intercropping of maize-pulse crops in 8.4 x 5.0m plot size for each treatment. To measure productivity of the strip intercropping, relative yield total (RYT) and benefit to cost ratio (B/C) were calculated. They were great variations in rainfall in the last two years. From the experiment, data showed that all the strip intercropping treatments have RYT and B/C values &gt;1 meaning that strip intercropping of maize-pulse crops is more productive than monocropping and is feasible to be practiced in dryland areas. With the short growing period and their drought tolerant nature of the pulse crops, especially mungbean, the strip intercropping can be used to fight climate variability impacts in dryland areas.

Effects of Maize-Soybean Intercropping on Nitrous Oxide Emissions from a Silt Loam Soil in the North China Plain

Maize (Zea mays L.), a staple crop in the North China Plain, contributing substantially to agricultural nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in this region. Many studies have focused on various agricultural management measures to reduce N2O emissions. However, few have investigated soil N2O emissions in intercropping systems. In the current study, we investigate whether maize-soybean intercropping treatments could reduce N2O emission rates. Two differently configured maize-soybean intercropping treatments, 2:2 intercropping (two rows of maize and two rows of soybean, 2M2S) and 2:1 intercropping (two rows of maize and one row of soybean, 2M1S), and monocultured maize (M) and soybean (S) treatments were performed using a static chamber method. The results showed no distinct yield advantage for the intercropping systems. The total N2O production from the various treatments was 0.15 ± 0.04–113.85 ± 12.75 µg m−2 min−1. The cumulative N2O emission from the M treatment was 16.9 ± 2.3 kg ha−1 over the entire growing season (three and a half months), which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the 2M2S and 2M1S treatments by 36.6% and 32.2%, respectively. Two applications of nitrogen (N) fertilizer (as urea) at 240 kg N ha−1 each induced considerable soil N2O fluxes. Short-term N2O emissions (within one week after each of the two N applications) accounted for 74.4%–83.3% of the total emissions. Soil moisture, temperature, and inorganic N were significantly correlated with soil N2O emissions (R2 = 0.246–0.365, n = 192, P < 0.001). Soil nitrate (NO−)3 and moisture decreased in the intercropping treatments during the growing season. These results indicate that maize-soybean intercropping can reduce soil N2O emissions relative to monocultured maize.

Reducing carbon emissions and enhancing crop productivity through strip intercropping with improved agricultural practices in an arid area

Intercropping is reported to enhance crop production and be a better use of land, thermal radiation and nutrients in many areas around the world. However, intercropping is always yield-advantageous, but consumes more water. Meanwhile, the intercropping advantage is usually attributed to the high inputs of resources, which lead to increased carbon emissions. It is unclear whether developing an improved agricultural production pattern could relieve this situation and enhance farming productivity in water-limited arid areas. A field experiment using an improved system was conducted at an arid oasis region in northwestern China in 2014, 2015, and 2016. No-tillage coupled with two-year plastic film mulching and straw retention measures were integrated into intensified strip intercropping, and the effects on the crop yield, water use, and carbon emissions characteristics were determined. A sustainable evaluation index integrating several key parameters related to yield, water use, and carbon emission was created. We found that a wheat/maize intercropping pattern boosted the grain yield by 12.8 and 131.0% compared to the average yield of maize and wheat monoculture, respectively. The intercropping under no-tillage with straw covering and two-year plastic film mulching treatment (i.e., NTSI2) yielded 17009 kg ha−1, an increase of 14.9%, in the three studied years compared to an intercropping pattern with conventional treatment (i.e., CTI). The wheat-maize intercrops produced 5.9 and 113.7% more energy yield than monoculture maize and wheat, respectively, and NTSI2 had a 6.6% greater energy yield than CTI. NTSI2 improved the water use efficiency based on the grain and energy yields by 15.5 and 7.1%, respectively, over the CTI treatment. The carbon emissions of wheat/maize intercropping pattern were 18.9% lower than maize monoculture, and NTSI2 treatment reduced carbon emissions over CTI by 14.7%. Compared with maize monoculture, the wheat/maize intercrops had a 27.2% lower water use efficiency based on carbon emissions, and the NTSI2 treatment was reduced by 14.4% compared to CTI. However, wheat/maize intercropping had a greater carbon emission efficiency of 39.9% than monoculture maize, and the NTSI2 treatment was increased by 34.7% in the three studied years than that of CTI. The wheat/maize intercropping pattern achieved the highest evaluation index among the three cropping patterns evaluated, and the NTSI2 treatment had the highest sustainable index among the four intercropping treatments assessed. Therefore, wheat/maize intercropping of no-tillage with two-year plastic film mulching and straw covering is the most sustainable and effective cropping production pattern in arid Oasis regions.

Soil and Aggregate-Associated Carbon in a Young Loblolly Pine Plantation

In order to assess the carbon (C) footprint of forest-based bioenergy systems, it is necessary to quantify soil C storage. This study addressed effects of intercropping loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) with switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) for wood and bioenergy production on soil C storage in coastal North Carolina, USA. Spaces between rows of bedded pine were intercropped with switchgrass or contained native vegetative regrowth after site preparation. Two years after switchgrass establishment, soils were collected from beds and interbeds of each treatment, and C concentration and δ13C were measured in bulk soils and aggregate fractions. Soil C concentration, soil C density (Mg ha−1), and aggregate-associated C were lower in pine beds adjacent to switchgrass compared with pines adjacent to native regrowth. In the greater than 2,000-μm aggregate size class, 11% of C was derived from new pine inputs in beds of the pine-switchgrass treatment compared to the pine-native treatment. These results indicate that increased belowground C flow in pine beds adjacent to switchgrass may be driving breakdown soil C. In the pine-switchgrass intercropping treatment, a greater percentage of aggregates (by weight and C content) was found in the 2,000- to 250-μm size class of both beds and interbeds, suggesting that this aggregate size class is sensitive to management. This study provides a baseline analysis of C storage under different management scenarios in pine forests and for investigating long-term (10+ years) impacts. Although presence of switchgrass reduced soil C over the short term, bioenergy intercropping may still be pragmatic from an economical and land-use diversification view point.

An approach to mitigating soil CO2 emission by biochemically inhibiting cellulolytic microbial populations through mediation via the medicinal herb Isatis indigotica

Greenhouse gases (GHGs, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2)) emissions from soil under wheat production are a significant source of agricultural carbon emissions that have not been mitigated effectively. A field experiment and a static incubation study in a lab were conducted to stimulate wheat growth and investigate its potential to reduce CO2 emissions from soil through intercropping with a traditional Chinese medicinal herb called Isatis indigotica. This work was conducted by adding I. indigotica root exudates based on the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis of the DNA copy number of the rhizosphere or bulk soil microbial populations. This addition was performed in relation to the CO2 formation by cellulolytic microorganisms (Penicillium oxalicum, fungi and Ruminococcus albus) to elucidate the microbial ecological basis for the molecular mechanism that decreases CO2 emissions from wheat fields using I. indigotica.The results showed that the panicle weight and full grains per panicle measured through intercropping with I. indigotica (NPKWR) increased by 39% and 28.6%, respectively, compared to that of the CK (NPKW). Intercropping with I. indigotica significantly decreased the CO2 emissions from soil under wheat cultivation. Compared with CK, the total CO2 emission flux during the wheat growth period in the I. indigotica (NPKWR) intercropping treatment decreased by 29.26%. The intensity of CO2 emissions per kg of harvested wheat grain declined from 7.53 kg CO2/kg grain in the NPKW (CK) treatment to 5.55 kg CO2/kg grain in the NPKWR treatment.The qPCR analysis showed that the DNA copy number of the microbial populations of cellulolytic microorganisms (P. oxalicum, fungi and R. albus) in the field rhizosphere around I. indigotica or in the bulk soil under laboratory incubation was significantly lower than that of CK. This finding indicated that root exudates from I. indigotica inhibited the activity and number of cellulolytic microbial populations, which led to decreased CO2 emissions, suggesting this plant's potential role in mitigating agricultural GHGs and in supporting agroecology.

Maize–common bean intercropping to optimize maize-based crop production

SUMMARYMaize (Zea mays L.)–common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercropping is a recent practice in north-western Ethiopia and there is limited information on its productivity. A field experiment was conducted at South Achefer and Mecha in north-western Ethiopia during the 2012 and 2013 crop growing seasons to determine combinations of intercrop planting arrangement (IPA) with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) rates for optimizing maize–common bean intercrop productivity and profitability. Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of two IPA (single row of common bean between maize rows and paired rows of common bean between paired rows of maize), two N rates (92 and 128 kg N/ha) and two P rates (20 and 40 kg P/ha). A sole crop maize with recommended fertilizer rate of 128/40 kg N/P/ha was used as a control treatment. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that land equivalent ratio was more than unity, and the intercrop system was 20% more productive relative to the sole crop. Maize equivalent yields were highest for most of the intercrop treatments relative to mono-crop maize with yield advantage of 14% from single row IPA with 128/20 kg N/P/ha. Single row IPA with 128/20 kg N/P/ha and paired row IPA with 92/20 kg N/P/ha increased financial returns by 16 and 8% relative to sole crop maize, respectively. Smallholder maize-based cropping of north-western Ethiopia could be nutritionally, agronomically and financially improved through maize–common bean intercropping of single row IPA with appropriate nutrient management.

Pea cultivar and wheat residues affect carbon/nitrogen dynamics in pea-triticale intercropping: A microcosms approach

The underlying mechanisms by which legume cultivars contribute to nitrous oxide (N2O) generation are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of two pea cultivars (Zero4 and Nitouche) intercropped with triticale, with or without wheat (Triticum aestivum) residues incorporation, on soil C and N dynamics, on bacterial community structure and their links with N2O emissions. Monocrops and bare soil (no plant) treatments were used as an additional control in order to account for the level of mineralisation between treatments. Changes in total C and N contents and in some functionally-related soil pools (microbial biomass C and N, basal respiration, KCl-exchangeable ammonium and nitrate, potentially mineralisable N, DOC, ecophysiological indexes) were followed throughout a 97-day microcosm experiment carried out on a loamy arable soil. ARISA community fingerprinting of soil extracted DNA and GHG emissions were carried out at two key stages (pea flowering and harvest). The addition of residues to the soil resulted in only small changes to the total C and N pools the Nitouche monocrop, which was found to have the highest potentially mineralisable N (13.4μgg−128d−1) of the treatments with added residue. The different pea cultivar selectively affected N2O emissions, with highest emissions associated with the cultivar Nitouche in the absence of residues. The two intercropping treatments of triticale/pea were significantly different either with residues or without, especially the triticale/Zero4 which had the lowest values (356gN2O-Nha−1). Similar patterns were also observed in below ground data. ARISA analysis showed that monocropped legumes and the Triticale-based treatment clearly grouped on separate clusters to the added residue treatment. We hypothesize that in pea-based intercrops variations in carbon supply from different cultivars may contribute to differences in N2O emissions and thus influence the choice of suitable cultivars, to optimize nutrient cycling and sustainable crop management.

Effect of intercropping, crop geometry and organic manures on growth and yield of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica)

An investigation was conducted at organic research farm, Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar to study the effect of intercropping and crop geometry in organic production of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) during winters of 2012-14. Three organic manures (FYM, vermicompost and poultry manure) and two spacings, viz. single row (45×45cm) and paired row (30/60×45cm) were taken in main plot and five intercrops, viz. broccoli (CBH-1), beet leaf (HS-23), coriander (Hisar Bhumit), fenugreek (Hisar Suwarna) and radish (HS-1) including sole crop of broccoli as sub-plot. The trial was replicated thrice. The experimental results revealed that sole crop of broccoli with the application of vermicompost in single row spacing (M2S1C1) recorded minimum days to first and 50% harvesting (56.7), maximum number of leaves (28.4), weight of main head (200.2g), girth of head (15.4cm), number of sprouts/plant (9.8), yield of sprouts/plant (400.9g), yield of sprouts (main head + sprouts)/ plant (601.1g), total yield (296.9 q/ha), plant biomass on fresh (1 661 g) and dry weight basis (149.2 g), of broccoli. While plant height (63.45cm) and yield of intercrops (127.1 q/ha) was recorded maximum with the application of vermicompost in double row spacing (M2S2C5) treatment with radish. Among the intercropped treatments, fenugreek intercropped with broccoli recorded maximum yield (287.7 q/ha) in single row spacing.

Cropping system diversification for food production in Mindanao rubber plantations: a rice cultivar mixture and rice intercropped with mungbean.

Including food production in non-food systems, such as rubber plantations and biofuel or bioenergy crops, may contribute to household food security. We evaluated the potential for planting rice, mungbean, rice cultivar mixtures, and rice intercropped with mungbean in young rubber plantations in experiments in the Arakan Valley of Mindanao in the Philippines. Rice mixtures consisted of two- or three-row strips of cultivar Dinorado, a cultivar with higher value but lower yield, and high-yielding cultivar UPL Ri-5. Rice and mungbean intercropping treatments consisted of different combinations of two- or three-row strips of rice and mungbean. We used generalized linear mixed models to evaluate the yield of each crop alone and in the mixture or intercropping treatments. We also evaluated a land equivalent ratio for yield, along with weed biomass (where Ageratum conyzoides was particularly abundant), the severity of disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae and Cochliobolus miyabeanus, and rice bug (Leptocorisa acuta) abundance. We analyzed the yield ranking of each cropping system across site-year combinations to determine mean relative performance and yield stability. When weighted by their relative economic value, UPL Ri-5 had the highest mean performance, but with decreasing performance in low-yielding environments. A rice and mungbean intercropping system had the second highest performance, tied with high-value Dinorado but without decreasing relative performance in low-yielding environments. Rice and mungbean intercropped with rubber have been adopted by farmers in the Arakan Valley.

Management of diverse weed flora in maize under Kangra valley conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Twelve weed control treatments, viz. atrazine 1.0 kg/ha (2 days after sowing, DAS), metribuzin 0.25 kg/ha (2 DAS), oxyflourfen 0.15 kg/ha (2 DAS) alone and in integration with hoeing at 30 DAS, atrazine 1.0 kg/ha (2 DAS) followed by (fb) atrazine 0.5 kg/ha (30 DAS), atrazine 1.0 kg/ha + pendimethalin 0.5 kg/ha (2 DAS), intercropping of cowpea and mung bean, hand weeding thrice (15, 30 and 45 DAS) and weedy check were tested in maize during 2012 and 2013 under Kangra valley conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Herbicides alone, in combination with hoeing and sequential application significantly reduced the count and dry weight of weeds and increased number of cobs, 100-grain weight and grain yield of maize over the intercropping treatments. Maize grain yield was negatively associated with weed count (r=-0.819**) and weed dry weight (r =-0.791**) and positively correlated with cobs number (r = 0.950**), cob length (r = 0.879**) and 100-seed weight (r = 0.836**). With unit increase in weed count, the grain yield of maize decreased by 75.5 kg/ha. Un-checked weed growth reduced the grain yield of maize by 60.7%. Based on the results, metribuzin 0.250 kg/ha, atrazine 1.00 kg/ha, atrazine 1.0 kg/ha fb atrazine 0.5 kg/ha (30 DAS), oxyflourfen 0.15 kg/ha, atrazine 1.0 kg/ha + pendimethalin 0.5 kg/ha and metribuzin 0.25 kg/ha fb hoeing (30 DAS) were recommended for effective management of diverse weed flora in maize under Kangra valley conditions of Himachal Pradesh.