Corn Intercropping Research Articles

Effect of fertility levels and stress mitigating chemicals on nutrient content, uptake, intercropping advantage and competition effect in cowpea-baby corn intercropping

The primary goal of this study was to analyze how various row ratios of intercrops, in conjunction with different fertilizer levels with spray of two stress mitigating chemical, affect nutrient content, land productivity, and economic viability during Summer season. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the competitive dynamics within legume/cereal intercropping systems. Hence, A field experiment at Agriculture University, Kota, during the summers of 2019 and 2020, investigated different cowpea + baby corn intercropping system's intercropping indices, nutrient dynamics, uptake, and post-harvest soil nutrient balance under varying recommended fertilizer levels and foliar spray of stress mitigating chemicals. Using a split-split plot design replicated four times, the experiment involved thirty treatment combinations, including five intercropping techniques viz. Sole cowpea, sole baby corn, cowpea + baby corn 2:1, cowpea + baby corn 3:1, cowpea + baby corn 4:1 in the main plot, three fertility levels viz. 100 %, 125 % and 150 % recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) in subplots, and two stress mitigation chemicals; CaCl2 0.5 % and KNO3 1% in sub-subplots. The findings revealed notable trends, including nitrogen (N) and (P) content in cowpea seeds and straw, baby corn cobs and fodder, as well as enhanced land-equivalent ratio (LER) and monetary advantage index (MAI) within the cowpea + baby corn 2:1 row ratio. However, despite these advantages, total N and P uptake were markedly higher in sole crops. Notably, sole cowpea demonstrated the highest actual N and P balance and lowest was under sole baby corn. Among the fertility levels, the 150 % RDF level exhibited the most favorable outcomes across various parameters, including LER, MAI, NP content, and uptake in both crops. Additionally, higher fertility levels correlated with increased apparent and actual soil nutrient balances. While, among stress mitigation chemicals, CaCl2 0.5 % resulted in significantly heightened N and P uptake. Hence, to optimize intercropping dynamics and maintain soil nutrient balance, it is advisable to intensify cowpea cultivation along with baby corn in a 2:1 row ratio, utilizing 150 % RDF is beneficial. Additionally, alleviating higher temperature stress during the summer season can be achieved by applying a 0.5 % solution CaCl2 through spraying at the flowering and pod development stages of cowpea.

Nutrients Dynamics and uptake Patterns in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)- Sweet corn (Zea mays var. Saccarata) Intercropping Systems

A field experiment was conducted in the summer season during 2020-21 and 2021-22 on clayey soil at Regional Rice Research Station, NAU, Vyara (Gujarat), India to evaluate the nutrients dynamics and uptake patterns of groundnut-sweet corn intercropping systems. The experiment comprised of ten treatments which was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that the productivity of these systems in terms of groundnut pod equivalent yield 3221 kg/ha was significantly higher with intercropping of groundnut + sweet corn (2:1) with paired row (30-60-30 cm) (T10) followed by groundnut + sweet corn (3:1) in additive series (3073 kg/ha) (T8). Maximum N and K balance was recorded in case of treatment T10 (+107.18 and +144.52 kg/ha, respectively) which was followed by groundnut + sweet corn (2:1) in replacement series (T4) (+71.14 and +108.78 kg/ha, respectively) and (3:1) in additive series (T8) (+56.35 and +107.44 kg/ha, respectively). Phosphorus balance was negative under all treatments of intercropping system.

Simulation of tomato and corn growth using a modified intercropping model considering radiation interception in two-dimensional space and air temperature stress

Intercropping system has been widely applied in the agricultural production worldwide. However, the difference in agricultural productivity in tomato–corn intercropping system with different spatial arrangements has not been determined. Meanwhile, the existing intercropping models cannot precisely capture inter-species crop growth dynamics. Therefore, a 10-year (2010–2019) experimental field study was conducted in Hetao irrigation district, China, for the parameterization and evaluation of the model. The experiment data from the typical years (2018 and 2019) was adopted to analyze the crop growth dynamics in different hydrological years and different systems [two rows of tomato intercropping two rows of corn (IC2–2), four rows of tomato intercropping two rows of corn (IC4–2), sole corn (SC), and sole tomato (ST)]. Moreover, a modified intercropping model considering radiation interception in two-dimensional space and air temperature stress (MICG) was deduced. The results revealed that the MICG model can precisely simulate inter-species crop growth in tomato–corn intercropping system with different spatial arrangements. The mean relative error (MRE), normalized root mean square error (nRMSE), determination coefficient (R2), and percentage bias (PBIAS) of leaf area index (LAI) simulated by the MICG model in different spatial arrangements were 9.0 %, 7.8 %, 0.97, and –5.3 % for corn and 11.0 %, 7.8 %, 0.95, and 0.1 % for tomato, respectively. An apparent difference in the simulation accuracy was observed among different intercropping models in the rapid and senescence crop growth stages. The simulation accuracy of the MICG model was apparently higher than that of ICGw and ICG models. However, the MICG model still needs to be further improved considering its some limitations, e.g., the soil respiration and soil nitrogen transformation modules need be introduced in this model. Additionally, an apparent difference in crop growth dynamics in different spatial arrangements was observed, particularly in different hydrological years. The largest difference in crop growth dynamics in different spatial arrangements was observed in the middle crop growth stage (days after sowing [DAS] 20–100) in the wet year and in the late crop growth stage (DAS 101–140) in the dry year. In general, the highest aboveground biomass and yields of corn and tomato were observed in the IC2–2 and ST systems, respectively. However, the highest water use efficiency for corn (23.9) and tomato (268.7) was observed in the IC4–2 and ST systems, respectively. The agricultural production benefits in the IC4–2 system were better than in the IC2–2 system. Average land equivalent ratio and water equivalent ratio in both years increased by 0.8 % and 12.5 % in the IC4–2 system compared with those in the IC2–2 system, respectively. Overall, the IC4–2 system could be recommended as the most optimal spatial arrangement for the tomato–corn intercropping system.

Using seasonal physiological and biochemical responses to select forest components adapted to soybean and corn intercropping

Given the increasing utilization of forest components in integration systems worldwide, coupled with the growing demand for food in regions facing water restrictions, this study aims to evaluate how physiological and biochemical parameters contribute to the diversification of adaptive mechanisms among native species and eucalyptus genotypes intercropped with soybean or corn. The native tree species Anadenanthera macrocarpa and Dipteryx alata, and the eucalyptus genotypes Urograndis I-144 and Urocam VM01, were grown in soybean and corn intercropping areas and evaluated in fall, winter, spring, and summer. The study evaluated morning water potential, chloroplast pigment concentration, gas exchange, cell damage, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Intercropped with soybean, development the of A. macrocarpa improved through instantaneous water use efficiency, energy use by the electron transport chain, chloroplast pigments, and catalase enzyme activity. On the other hand, A. macrocarpa when, intercropped with corn, despite increasing energy absorption by the reaction center, there is a need for non-photochemical dissipation and in the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase in response to water and oxidative deficits. In D. alata, the physiological and biochemical responses were not influenced by intercropping but by seasons, with increased chloroplast pigments in fall and electron transport in summer. However, in corn intercropping, the dissipation of excess energy allowed leaf acclimatization. The I-144 and VM01 genotypes also showed no significant differences between intercrops. The results describe photosynthetic and biochemical challenges in the native species A. macrocarpa intercropped with corn, such as a greater need for enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense mechanisms in response to more negative water potential. In D. alata, the challenges are present in both intercrops due to improved mechanisms to protect the photosynthetic apparatus. The survival of the I-144 genotype may be inefficient in both intercrops under prolonged drought conditions, as it modifies the photosystem; in contrast, genotype VM01 was the most adapted to the system for using captured energy, reducing water loss and being resilient.

Population of Bemisia tabaci and Incidence of Yellow Disease in Chili Intercropped with Corn

Bemisia tabaci is one of the limiting factors in chili farming, because it can cause damage both directly and indirectly as a vector for the Pepper yellow leaf curl virus (PepYLCV). Intercropping chili with corn is one of the efforts to control B. tabaci. Physically, corn plants are able to withstand the presence of B. tabaci, in addition to producing volatile compounds that are repellent to B. tabaci. This research was conducted to determine the optimal age of corn plants to be intercropped with chili plants. The research was conducted in Pleret District, Bantul Regency by testing five different ages of corn: 2 weeks after planting, 6 weeks after planting, 8 weeks after planting, 10 weeks after planting and control (without intercropping with corn). Weeks after planting are counted from the first day the corn seeds were planted. Yellow sticky trap (YST) was used to determine the presence of B. tabaci population in each treatment plot. YST was tied to bamboo sticks and placed on treatment beds with as many as 2 (two) traps per treatment plot. The distance between the yellow sticky trap and the plant was 30 cm, so the height of the trap was always adjusted according to the height of the plant. Observation of B. tabaci population was carried out every 5 days by counting the number of B. tabaci caught in yellow sticky traps. The results showed that the population of B. tabaci in the chili plots intercropped with corn was lower than that in the control plot, especially at the age of 6 weeks after planting (WAP). However, the intercropping of chilies and corn had no significant effect on the incidence of yellow disease in chilies.

Weed Biology and Ecology Studies: Diversity, Dominance, Population and Weed Growth and Land Use Efficiency in Intercropping Corn (Zea mays l.) with Leguminous Crops in Dryland

The aim of the research is to examine the effect of intercropping corn with leguminous crops on weeds and land use efficiency. The experimental research method was designed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks. The treatments tested were monocrop planting patterns and intercropping between corn and leguminous crops. The results of the research showed that 16 weed species were found with high species diversity, evenness, dominance, and abundance, so that there were six dominant species that existed during plant growth. Peanuts and cowpeas are suitable for intercropping with corn because they can suppress the population and growth of weeds. Soybeans, green beans, and red beans are not suitable because they are not effective in suppressing the population and growth of weeds and compete with corn, so that corn yield losses due to competition are 38.20%–40.96% and due to weed competition, they reach 62.37%–63.77%. The best ecological and agronomic land use efficiency was obtained by intercropping corn with peanuts and cowpeas, with NKL values based on dry biomass weights of 1.90 and 1.89 (NKL > 1) and dry seed weights of 1.79 and 1.78 (NKL > 1).

Analisis Usahatani Tanaman Sela Pada Lahan Perkebunan Kelapa Di Desa Tontalete Kecamatan Kema Kabupaten Minahasa Utara

This research aims to analyze the income of farmers who cultivate land under coconut trees with intercropping. This research uses primary data and secondary data. Primary data is a source of data obtained directly from original sources or not through intermediaries. Meanwhile, secondary data is data sourced from the Tontalete Village office, Kema District, North Minahasa Regency and the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). Sampling was carried out randomly (Simple Random Sampling). The total research sample was 13 corn farmers and 2 chili farmers. The research results were analyzed using farming income analysis. The results of this study show that farmers utilizing coconut plantation land with intercropping in Tontalete Village, Kema District, North Minahasa Regency, obtained an average production cost of corn intercropping respondents amounting to IDR8.445.822,00 per hectare, with revenue of IDR21.868.750,00 per hectare, resulting in an income of IDR13.422.929,00 per hectare. Meanwhile, respondents growing intercropped chili had an average production cost of IDR10.865.342,00 per hectare, with revenue of IDR69.307.857,00 per hectare, and income of IDR58.442.515,00 per hectare over 8 harvesting periods.

Root and shoot studies of summer cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and baby corn (Zea mays) under intercropping system with different levels of fertility and stress-mitigating chemicals

An experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2019 and 2020 at College of Agriculture (Agriculture University, Kota), Ummedganj, Rajasthan, to study the root and shoot of summer cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] and baby corn (Zea mays L.) under intercropping system with different levels of fertility and stress-mitigating chemicals. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with 4 replications having 30 treatment combinations with 5 intercropping systems [sole cowpea; sole baby corn; cowpea + baby corn (2:1); cowpea + baby corn (3:1); and cowpea + baby corn (4:1)] in the main plot and 3 fertility levels, viz. 100; 125; and 150% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer) in subplot and 2 stress mitigating chemicals (0.5% CaCl2 and 1% KNO3 at flowering and pod development stage of cowpea) in sub-sub plot. Results revealed significant increase in shoot weight, root weight, root-to-shoot ratio, cowpea equivalent yield (CEY) and number and dry weight of nodules in 2:1 row cowpea + baby corn intercropping system over other row ratios. The 2:1 row ratio significantly increased root:shoot ratio of cowpea by 20.9, 15.2, and 7.3% over sole cowpea, 4:1 and 3:1 row ratio, respectively, and resulted in the highest root-to-shoot ratio for baby corn, recording 18.3, 14.5, and 6.8% increase over sole baby corn, 4:1, and 3:1 row ratios of cowpea and baby corn, respectively. Further shoot weight, root weight, root:shoot ratio in cowpea and baby corn, CEY and the number and dry weight of nodules in cowpea exhibited a notable increase in 150% RDF as compared to lower fertility levels (100 and 125% RDF). Applying 150% RDF resulted in a significantly higher root:shoot ratio for both cowpea and baby corn, with increases of 11.3 and 4.5% over 100 and 125% RDF for cowpea, and 11.6 and 5.5% over 100 and 125% RDF for baby corn, respectively. Foliar application of 0.5% CaCl2 at the flowering and pod-developing stages significantly augmented all the aforementioned parameters for both cowpea and baby corn.

Alleviating summer heat stress in cowpea-baby corn intercropping with stress-reducing chemicals and fertility variations

Over the past century, the average surface temperature and recurrent heatwaves have been steadily rising, especially during the summer season, which is affecting the yield potential of most food crops. Hence, diversification in cropping systems with suitable fertilizer management is an urgent need to ensure high yield potential during the summer season. Since intercropping has emerged as an important strategy to increase food production, the present study comprises five intercropping systems in the main plot (sole cowpea, sole baby corn, cowpea + baby corn in 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 row ratio), three levels of fertilizer viz. 100 (N20 P40), 125 (N25 P50), and 150% (N30 P60) recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) in the subplot, along with two stress-mitigating chemicals (0.5% CaCl2 and 1% KNO3) in the sub-sub plots. A split-split plot system with four replications was established to carry out the field experiment. The effect of intercropping, fertilizer levels, and stress-mitigating chemicals on crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), plant temperature, relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll content of cowpea and baby corn, as well as cowpea equivalent yield (CEY), was investigated during the summer seasons of 2019 and 2020. The experiment was conducted at Agriculture University, Kota (Rajasthan), India. Results showed that CGR, RGR, RWC and chlorophyll content of both crops and CEY were maximum under intercropping of cowpea and baby corn in a 2:1 row ratio compared to other intercropping systems. However, the plant temperature of both crops was significantly lower under this system. CEY, CGR, RGR, and chlorophyll content were considerably greater in the subplots with a fertilizer application of 150% RDF compared to lower levels of fertilizer (100 and 125% RDF). Our findings further show that foliar application of CaCl2 0.5% at the flowering and pod-developing stages of cowpea dramatically boosted CEY, CGR, RGR, RWC, and chlorophyll content of both crops and lowered the plant temperature.

Pengaruh pemupukan P dan populasi jagung dengan tumpang sari kedelai pada budidaya jenuh air di lahan pasang surut

Soybean and corn are the main food crops in Indonesia after rice. Currently to fill the needs of national soybeans and corn obtained through imports. That was due to the low productivity of soybeasn and corn in Indonesia compared to other countries like as the United States and China. Iimproving the productivity of corn and soybean is by regulating plant population and fertilizing. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of P fertilizing and corn population on soybean and corn intercropping in tidal swamps. This research was in March to August 2019 in Karyabakti, Rantau Rasau District, Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency, Jambi Province. The tidal swamps type used was type B. The study was conducted using two factors i.e P fertilization (0 kg P2O5 ha-1, 46 kg P2O5 ha-1, 92 kg P2O5 ha-1, 138 kg P2O5 ha-1) and population maize (50,000, 63,000 and 73,000 plants ha-1). The intercropping system showed the highest results in a population of 63,000 maize ha-1 plants with a fertilizer dosage of P 46 kg P2O5 ha-1. Land equality ratio highest 2.3 showed that intercropping systems were 130% more effective than monoculture planting.

Agro-Climatic Factors and Their Influence on Sustainable Soybean Production

This research explores the impact of intercropping corn and soybean, along with the combined effects of Azolla pinnata dose, the best soybean variety, and cytokinin concentration, on enhancing the physiology and agronomy of the plants. The study was conducted using 36 experimental units in a plot between soybean and corn. Various parameters were observed, including seed viability and vigor, soil analysis, nutrient content analysis of POC Azolla pinnata, temperature, air humidity, sunlight radiation, rainfall, pest infestation, diseases, and weeds. Additionally, plant height, leaf count, secondary branch count, total plant dry weight, leaf chlorophyll, leaf area ratio, leaf chlorophyll index, and stomatal conductance were measured. The data were analyzed using Djajasukanta and Sitompul-Guritno calculations, focusing on the average relative growth rate (RGR), average net assimilation rate (NAR), and root-shoot ratio (RSR). The results demonstrated that intercropping corn and soybean with the combination of Azolla pinnata dose, the best soybean variety, and cytokinin concentration had a positive impact on soybean production and quality. The Anjasmoro variety showed favorable outcomes in various parameters, such as plant height, leaf count, and branch count. Physiological leaf analysis revealed that the treatment combination with the Anjasmoro variety exhibited optimal photosynthetic rates and chlorophyll content, indicating higher photosynthesis efficiency. Moreover, the treatment with the Dega 1 variety displayed faster growth and efficient resource allocation, as evident from the high RSR value. The selection of the best soybean variety, Azolla pinnata dose, and cytokinin concentration can lead to sustainable improvements in soybean crop yield. These findings hold significant implications for agricultural management and enhancing food security.

Agronomic and Carbon Productivity of Corn (Zea Mays Linn.) and Corn-Legume Intercropping Under Conservation Agriculture Practice System (Caps)

Carbon productivity is important in plant life and corn is important for human consumption throughout the world. A study was conducted to determine the agronomic and carbon productivity of corn and corn legumes under the conservation agriculture practice system. Agriculture practice system using a Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three treatments and replicated four times. The objective of the study was to determine the agronomic characteristics of corn intercrop with soybean and cowpea; to determine the carbon productivity of corn and legumes, and to evaluate the total productivity of corn-legumes in intercropping. The result revealed that among the agronomic parameters plant height, harvest index, partitioning coefficient, and total biomass the statistical analysis showed significant differences among treatment means, while 50 % days to flower analysis of variance showed no significant differences among treatments. In the yield parameters including shelling, percentage had shown significant differences among treatments but yield showed no significant difference they are not comparable to each other. The carbon productivity including total dry matter yield t/ha and carbon productivity t/ha, based on the result on carbon productivity Treatment 3 corn intercropped with cowpea obtained a high amount of carbon with (1.63). Thus, it recommended that corn intercropped with cowpea is better to determine the level of carbon productivity under the conservation agriculture practice system.

旱作条件下大豆玉米复合种植系统水分利用特征和生产力的比较研究

Quantitative investigation of the utilization characteristics of precipitation resources and the production capacity of the intercropping production system under the soybean maize intercropping mode in northern China is of great significance for improving the resource utilization rate of dryland agriculture and regional sustainable development. This study adopted a completely randomized block design, and six planting modes were set up: soybean monoculture, maize monoculture, and four soybean maize intercropping modes. Plant height and grain yield data were observed, and precipitation resource utilization efficiency was calculated. Based on the FAO-56 recommended crop coefficients, the crop coefficients were corrected according to the actual growth of crops in the experimental area; combined with meteorological data, the crop water demand under different planting modes was estimated based on the Penman-Monteith principle. The results showed that crops' daily growth water demand under different planting modes was generally deficient in water in the early and middle stages of growth, and surplus in the later stages. Compared with the monoculture mode, there were significant differences in precipitation resource utilization efficiency under different intercropping modes (P < 0.05), with soybeans reduced by 67.50% ~ 89.56%, and corn reduced by 43.99% ~ 61.05%. Based on the semi-humid and semi-arid area of the eastern Loess Plateau, an appropriate irrigation system needs to be designated for soybean and corn intercropping systems in the early and middle stages of crop growth. Under a certain proportion of water resource supply, different modes have different water resource utilization efficiency and final production capacity for the intercropping system.

Enhancing Nutrient Use Efficiency through Nano Urea in Pigeon Pea Based Intercropping System

A field experiment was conducted at Birsa Agricultural University Ranchi during the kharif seasons of 2021 and 2022 to evaluate N uptake and Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) for nitrogen as influenced by pigeon pea-based intercropping systems and nitrogen management. Pigeon pea + sweet corn intercropping systems with 100% recommended nitrogen (N1), recorded significantly higher total nitrogen uptake (196.6 kg/ha) which was at par with 50% RDN + 2 spray of nano urea (189.1 kg/ha). Whereas partial factor productivity (PFP), agronomic efficiency (AE), apparent recovery use efficiency (ARUE), economic nutrient use efficiency (ENUE), partial nutrient balance (PNB) of pigeon pea + sweet corn intercropping was recorded maximum (27.4 kg/kg, 13.4 kg/kg, 64.8 %, 1.66 kg yield/ ₹ invested in nitrogen & 0.88 kg/kg) respectively, while in nitrogen management, 50% RDN + 2 sprays of Nano urea performed better in terms of PFP, AE, ARUE, ENUE & PNB (52.5 kg/kg, 24.1 kg/kg, 115.4 %, 3.20 kg yield/ ₹ invested in nitrogen & 1.43 kg/kg respectively) when compared to the other nitrogen management.

Determination of Winter Irrigation Quotas for Corn and Oil Sunflower Considering Crop Salt Tolerance Threshold under Subsurface Pipe Drainage Technology

Subsurface pipe drainage (SPD) is an important technique for the improvement of saline–alkali lands in China. Winter irrigation after crop harvest is a key measure used in the Yellow River irrigation area in northwest China to reduce soil salinity in the root zone of crops. To optimize winter irrigation under SPD, the calibrated HYDRUS-2D model was utilized in this study to investigate the effects of soil texture (clay loam, silt loam, loam, and sandy loam), initial soil salinity (1, 3, 5 g/kg), and the winter irrigation quotas (80, 100, 120, 150, 180 mm) on the rate of soil desalination. In this study, soil salinity levels during the stable production of common crops such as sunflower and corn in the Yinbei Irrigation District in Ningxia, China, were taken as the thresholds, efficient utilization of irrigation water was considered, and suitable crops and appropriate winter irrigation quotas for different soil textures and levels of soil salinity were proposed. Soil with a salt content of 1~3 g/kg is suitable for the planting of corn with 80 mm of irrigation water. Sandy loam soil with a salt content of 3~5 g/kg is suitable for sunflower–corn intercropping with 120 mm of irrigation water. Sandy loam soil with a salt content exceeding 5 g/kg is suitable for the planting of sunflower with 80 mm of irrigation water. Other types of soils need to be improved by reducing the spacing between subsurface pipes, using desulfurized gypsum, biochar, and other additives. People engaged in agriculture can utilize this research to determine the appropriate volumes of irrigation water, crop types, planting systems, and subsurface pipe parameters based on local conditions.

Utjecaj konsocijacije kukuruza s grahom na kakvoću i prinos krme

Corn silage is a high-yielding, voluminous forage rich in energy but with insufficient protein content for ighproducing cattle. Since legumes have a low dry matter yield, low forage yield and unsatisfactory quality, they are often used in intercropping with cereals, which contributes to a higher yield and better forage quality than in pure culture. In this research, corn (Zea mays L.) and climbing beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were sown in different sowing densities in order to determine the best ratio in the intercropping system of corn and beans to achieve high yield and good nutritional value of forage. A pure maize crop (75000 grains ha-1) and maize in intercropping with beans were sown: 75000 grains ha-1 of maize and 37000 grains ha-1 of beans, 75000 grains ha-1 of maize and 50000 grains ha-1 of beans and 75000 grains ha-1 of corn and 75000 grains ha-1 of beans. The highest yield of dry matter was determined with the highest proportion of beans (19.0 t ha-1), and the lowest yield with 75000 plants ha-1 of corn and 37000 plants ha-1 of beans (17.2 t ha-1). The intercropping of corn and beans reduced the proportion of neutral detergent fibers, which could result in an increase in the digestibility of voluminous forage. Based on the nutritional value and forage yield, we can conclude that the intercropping with the highest proportion of beans had the highest yield and the best nutritional value.

Performance of soybean cultivated following intercropped corn under varying nitrogen levels

The intercropping of second-crop corn with ruzigrass or showy rattlebox associated with an increase in the nitrogen (N) rate can improve the performance of soybean in succession. This study aimed to evaluate the soybean performance in succession to second-crop corn cultivated under N application rates, with or without intercropping with ruzigrass (Urochloa ruziziensis) or showy rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis). The experimental design was a complete randomized block design with a split-plot scheme with four replicates. The plots were composed of the cultivation of either sole corn (AG 9010 PRO) or corn intercropped with ruzigrass or showy rattlebox, and the subplots consisted of different N topdressing rates (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha-1). Soybean (BRS 1003 IPRO) was grown in succession to corn under a no-tillage system (NTS). The evaluated variables were growth and yield. The increase in N rate in second-crop corn, with or without intercropping with ruzigrass or showy rattlebox, increased the growth and yield of soybean in succession under NTS. Second-crop corn intercropped with ruzigrass provided a greater amount of straw under NTS than sole corn or intercropped with showy rattlebox. However, intercropped systems did not influence the growth and yield of soybean grown in succession. Therefore, the corn intercropped with ruzigrass promotes the sustainability of NTS and the N fertilization in second-crop corn, which subsequently improves soybeans performance

Integrasi Ekologis Antara Ternak Sapi Dengan Pengelolaan Tanaman Jagung Yang Ditumpangsarikan Dengan Tanaman Kacang-Kacangan Di Lahan Kering

The obstacle to rearing cattle with a herding system on dry land is the unstable availability of feed because the potential for forage production is low. The reason is because dry land is not managed intensively. The research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the application of a monocrop cropping pattern system and intercropping between corn and beans in dry land. The experiment was designed with a randomized block design consisting of nine treatments, namely monocrops of corn, peanuts, soybeans, red beans and cowpeas, as well as intercropping between corn and peanuts, soybeans, red beans and cowpeas. The results of the research show that in the management of a monocrop cropping system and intercropping between corn and beans, weed diversity was found to be quite high, namely 20 families with 39 species, which included 10 species of Poaceae, 9 species of sedges and 20 species of broadleaf. The characteristics of the weeds found were high in species diversity, the ability to spread evenly throughout the corn and bean planting area was high and the ability to dominate the planting area was also high. The best quantity and quality of forage products as raw materials for animal feed are obtained from moorland management with monocrop planting patterns and intercropping of corn with peanuts and cowpeas. In this moorland management system, the potential for forage products obtained is 10.81 – 13.60 kw ha-1 day-1 and the potential land capacity for raising cattle is 5.21 – 5.53 ST ha-1.

Fermentative parameters and chemical composition of mixed silages from corn-crotalaria intercropping

The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of corn-crotalaria intercropping on the fermentative process, the organic acid profile, and the chemical composition of the silages produced. The trial was implemented in a randomized block design, in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, with three types of intercrops [single corn (CSC), corn + Crotalaria juncea (CCJ), and corn + Crotalaria ochroleuca (CCO)] in two spatial arrangements [A1 (corn and legume sown in the same row) and A2 (corn and legume sown in alternate rows)], with six repetitions per treatment, evaluated in two agricultural years. The silages were evaluated for fermentative losses, pH, organic acids, ammonia nitrogen, chemical composition, and in vitro dry matter degradability. The least amount of gas loss was observed in the silages produced in the first year with CCJ and the CCO (11.6 g/kg dry matter for both). The lowest pH values were verified in the silage of the treatments CSC and CCJ (3.46 and 3.44, respectively) in the second year, and for ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), the lowest concentrations were observed for CSC and CCO (120.7 and 138 g/kg total nitrogen, respectively). Higher levels of lactic acid and crude protein were obtained in the silage produced with CCJ, in both years of evaluation, whereas lower contents of acid detergent fiber were observed in the silage of the treatments CSC and CCO in the spatial arrangement A2. The largest coefficients of in vitro dry matter degradability were observed in the silages originated from CSC and CCO (820.6 and 798.0 g/kg dry matter, respectively). These results suggest that the intercropping of corn with C. ochroleuca sown in alternate rows increase the crude protein content without reducing the fermentative and nutritional quality of the silages. The planting of both legumes in the same row with corn negatively influenced the fermentative and nutritional characteristics of the silages, and this method is not recommended.

Effect of intercropping system on the growth and yield of baby corn (Zea mays L.)

A study was conducted on the possibility of growing vegetables (such as fenugreek, radish and Amaranthus) in baby corn and to investigate the impact of intercropping and competition indices of the intercropping systems. Therefore, this experiment was conducted in farmer’s field of Nambal village, Mancherial district, Telangana during the year of 2022-23 to assess the performance of baby corn intercropping with different vegetable crops. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 10 treatments comprising baby corn as main crop along with radish, fenugreek and Amaranthus as intercrops and control (sole baby corn) replicated thrice. The results of the research revealed that sole baby corn registered the maximum plant height (172.39 cm), number of leaves (14.68), leaf area (639.75 cm2), leaf area index (6.26) and dry matter production (9.5 t/ha) which were at par with baby corn + fenugreek intercropping system. The yield parameters viz. number of cobs per plant (3.07), cob length (16.21 cm), cob girth (6.82 cm) and individual cob weight (76.72 g), cob yield g/plant (166.23 g) cob yield t/ha (7.3 t/ha) and green fodder yield (23.2 t/ha) were consistently greater in baby corn + fenugreek and at par with sole baby corn intercropping system.