Intercropping Treatments Research Articles

The Quality of Silage and Yield in Hungarian Vetch and Forage Crops and Rye Intercropping System

The aim of the study was to determine silage yield and quality of Hungarian vetch/forage pea (V/P) with rye (R) mixed in an intercropping system that provides maximum level of faulting from the field. The field experiment was conducted in 2021-2022 to examine the effects of different binary sowing ratio (20:80%R/P, 40:60%R/P, 60:40%R/P; 80:20%R/P; 20:80%R/V, 40:60%R/V, 60:40%R/V; 80:20%R/V, 100%R, 100%P, 100%V) in 3 replications. The treatments were harvested in July 2022 for silage, and hay yield and fresh yield were determined in the intercropping treatments before ensiling. On the same day, silages were filled by the same mix ratios in plastic cans. After fermentation, the dry matter ratio, pH, sucrose, crude protein, ADF, NDF, mineral matters and organic acid were defined in silages. Before ensiling the highest fresh and dry yield were obtained from 80:20%R/P. Yield values were decreased by increase of rye ratio in the mix. The dry matter, crude protein, lactic acid formation, the inhibition of undesirable micro‐organisms and nutritional quality has been improved in rye silages prepared with H. vetch and F. pea contribute. Consequently, the combinations of the H. vetch and F. pea contribute to rye silage are complementary, and the intercropping of the binary combination made profitable forage yield and silage quality, according to sole treatments. The positive effects in the investigated parameters are in all mixed ratios, but, 80:20R/P, 60:40R/P and 80:20R/V silages were more superior to the others.

Water stress memory in wheat/maize intercropping regulated photosynthetic and antioxidative responses under rainfed conditions

Drought is a most prevalent environmental stress affecting the productivity of rainfed wheat and maize in the semiarid Loess Plateau of China. Sustainable agricultural practices such as intercropping are important for enhancing crop performance in terms of better physiological and biochemical characteristics under drought conditions. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant enzyme activities are associated with improved abiotic tolerance in crop plants, however, its molecular mechanism remains obscure. A 2-year field study was conducted to evaluate the influence of intercropping treatment viz. wheat mono-crop (WMC), maize mono-crop (MMC), intercropping maize (IM) and wheat (IW) crops, and nitrogen (N) application rates viz. control and full-dose of N (basal application at 150 and 235 kg ha−1 for wheat and maize, respectively) on chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange traits, lipid peroxidation, antioxidative properties and expression patterns of six tolerance genes in both crops under rainfed conditions. As compared with their respective monocropping treatments, IW and IM increased the Fo/Fm by 18.35 and 14.33%, PS-11 efficiency by 7.90 and 13.44%, photosynthesis by 14.31 and 23.97%, C-capacity by 32.05 and 12.92%, and stomatal conductance by 41.40 and 89.95% under without- and with-N application, respectively. The reductions in instantaneous- and intrinsic-water use efficiency and MDA content in the range of 8.76–26.30% were recorded for IW and IM treatments compared with WMC and MMC, respectively. Compared with the WMC and MMC, IW and IM also triggered better antioxidant activities under both N rates. Moreover, we also noted that intercropping and N addition regulated the transcript levels of six genes encoding non-enzymatic antioxidants cycle enzymes. The better performance of intercropping treatments i.e., IW and IM were also associated with improved osmolytes accumulation under rainfed conditions. As compared with control, N addition significantly improved the chlorophyll fluorescence, gas exchange traits, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activities under all intercropping treatments. Our results increase our understanding of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of intercropping-induced water stress tolerance in wheat and maize crops.

Effect Of Bacteria And Yeast Bio Fertilization On Nitrogen Budget, Growth, And Yieid Of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) When Intercropping With Faba Bean (Vicia Faba L.)

The study was conducted in the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad on soil with a mixture of loam during the winter season of the year (2020-2021). The study included a field experiment to evaluate the effect of the prepared nitrogenous bacterial biofertilizer and yeast extract at a concentration of 5 g.L-1 and mineral fertilization on the nitrogen budget in the soil and in the growth parameters of wheat plants and the interaction under the 50% level of the fertilizer recommendation with the use of a recommendation treatment Complete fertilizer 100% For comparison, the amount of water added to each experimental unit was measured after draining 50% of the prepared water using a water meter. A (factorial) experiment was carried out by arranging the split plates (The Split-Plot Design) according to the (RCBD) design. The results of the experiment showed the moral superiority of the intercropping coefficients in Dry weight, the yield of grain weight, and nitrogen concentration in the soil and plants for biological fertilization treatment, where bacterial fertilization and yeast recorded the highest values compared with the mineral fertilization 50 and 100% If it gives an average of (6.667 and 11.533) (Mg.ha-1 ) for dry weight and grain yield, respectively, and 39,730 mg.Kg-1 nitrogen concentration in the soil and 1.367 % nitrogen concentration in the plant compared to the dry weight (4.567 and 4.633) (Mg.ha-1 ), grain yield (10,066 and 8,300) (Mg.ha-1 ), and the nitrogen concentration in the soil (24,400 and 22,200) mg.Kg-1 and nitrogen concentration in the plant (1.237 and 1.043), respectively, for 50 and 100%. The mineral fertilization treatments of 100% also recorded the highest value of ammonia volatilization, amounting to 19,700, followed by 50% treatment at 17.746, and the lowest amount of volatile ammonia was recorded by the bacterial fertilization treatment at 12.976, then the treatment of 12.976 Bacteria with yeast extract 16.980 and yeast treatment 17.960 (kg N ha-1 )for the intercropping treatments. Keywords: Bio fertilization, Yeast extract, Mineral fertilization, Budget nitrogen intercropping It is partially extracted from the Ph.D. thesis of the first researcher.

ECONOMICS OF DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF ONION + BEET LEAF AND ONION + FENUGREEK INTERCROPPING SYSTEM

The present experiment entitled Economics of different combinations of onion + beet leaf and onion + fenugreek intercropping system was carried out at Research Farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2018–19. The experimental treatments, viz. T1 – onion seed crop (sole ) at 60 x 60 cm, T2 – beet leaf (sole) 15 x 5cm, T3 – fenugreek (sole) 20 x 10 cm, T4 – onion + beet leaf (one row) T5 – onion + beet leaf (two rows), T6 – onion + beet leaf (three rows), T7 – onion + beet leaf (broadcasting), T8 – onion + fenugreek (one row), T9 – onion + fenugreek (two rows) and T10 – onion + fenugreek (broadcasting), were laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Based on the research investigation, it was observed that the onion seed equivalent yield was obtained maximum from onion + beet leaf (one row) intercropping system. All the intercropping treatments were found more economical as compared to sole crop of onion, beet leaf and fenugreek. Among different combinations, it is concluded that onion seed crop intercropped with one row of beet leaf or fenugreek could be more remunerative for earning maximum net returns of ₹548175/ha from onion + beet leaf (one row) and ₹544247/ha from onion + fenugreek (one row) than the seed onion sole crop (Rs.511719/ha). Keywords: Onion, Beet leaf, Fenugreek, Intercropping system Introduction, yield.

Ekplorasi Parasitoid Telur Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) PadaATanaman Jagung di Desa Purwobinangun Kec. Sei Bingai, Kab. Langkat

Augusman Waruwu, 2022. The Egg Parasitoid is exploration of Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Purwobinangun Village, Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, guided by Maryani Cyccu Tobing and Ameilia Zuliyanti Siregar. Species of parasitoids on maize is the beginning to control S. frugiperda pests. An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy is needed to reduce the population of S. frugiperda. This research was carried out on land owned by farmers in Purwobinangun Village, Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency (February to June 2021). The research used a Factorial Randomized Block Design with 2 factors are cropping patterns (Monoculture and Intercropping) and varieties (Bisi 18 and Pioneer 32) with six replications. The results showed that 2 genera egg parasitoids of S. frugiperda are Telenomus and Trichogramma. The highest parasitization (28,32%) was in the intercropping treatment of maize variety Pioneer 32 (P1V0) and the lowest parasitization (12,47%) was in the monoculture treatment of maize variety Bisi 18 (P0V1). The egg parasitoid of S. frugiperda was dominated by the Telenomus. 
 Key word: egg parasitoid, maize, Spodoptera frugiperda

INFLUENCE OF INTERCROPPING ON SOIL MICROBIAL ACTIVITY AND STRAWBERRY DEVELOPMENT

Strawberry is one of the most important berry crop grown around the world and their consumption increases every year. The introduction of new practices promoting farm sustainability and long-term soil health in strawberry production systems is very essential. Towards environment- and climate-friendly farming practices intercropping can be used to improve soil microbiological activity and biodiversity, and reduce the use of pesticides and mineral fertilizers, while the right choice of intercropped plants is of great importance to achieve these goals. The trials on strawberry intercropping were established in Latvia in 2021. Three treatments with different intercropping plant rotations, including crimson clover, pea, garlic, marigold, and winter rye mix with vetch, were compared to conventional strawberry growing using straw mulch. Trial was installed in three locations: two organic farms and the Institute of Horticulture (LatHort). Thus representing climatically different regions and different soil conditions. Strawberries were grown in 1.2 m distant rows, where in the intercropping treatments, each second interrow was occupied by companion plants. Soil microbial activity was evaluated during vegetation seasons by determining soil respiration rate (SRR) and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) several times per season in 2021 and 2022. Strawberry vegetative development was evaluated at the end of each vegetation season. During the investigation period, soil microbial activity fluctuated during vegetation seasons, depending on growing conditions. In 2021, SRR varied from 1.9 – 3.3 CO2 mg L- 1, while in 2022, from 2.1 - 3.4 CO2 mg L-1. DHA varied from 46 – 134 INTF, µL×????−1 × h in 2021 and 60 – 101 INTF, µL×????−1 × h in 2022. Intercropping had low influence on microbial activity and results differed within each location. Strawberry plant biomass differed among locations and treatments with the highest above-ground biomass observed in LatHort during second growing season in conventional growing system (790 g plant-1).

Impact on Maize (Zea mays) Crop Productivity and Yield Parameters with Intercropping of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) and Moong Bean (Vigna radiata L.)

The current study evaluated the impact of intercropping Cowpea and Moong bean on Maize yield and its constituent parts. Nine different treatments were used in the experiment viz., (T1) sole Maize, (T2) sole Cowpea, (T3) sole Moong bean, (T4) Maize + Cowpea (1:1), (T5) Maize + Cowpea (1:2), (T6) Maize + Cowpea (1:3), (T7) Maize + Moong bean (1:1), (T8) Maize + Moong bean (1:2) and, (T9) Maize + Moong bean (2:1) in a randomized block design with three replications in Kharif season. The findings showed that intercropped plants had greater potential and produced higher values for the majority of the studied criteria, including plant height, chlorophyll meter reading (SPAD) number of cobs plant-1, number of rows cob-1, number of grains row-1, 100-grain weight, and straw and grain yields Intercrop’s seed yields were less in intercropped treatments than sole Maize. (T5) Maize + Cowpea (1:2) was best treatment having highest yield (5915.83 kg ha-1), maximum LER (1.8) and MEY (kg ha-1) (11663.36). This clearly demonstrated the advantages of intercropping Maize with legumes. This is because the leguminous crops can provide additional nutrients to the Maize crop through biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Additionally legumes can improve the declined soil productivity by enhancing the overall soil conditions like chemical, biological, and physical. The increased availability of nitrogen and enhancement in soil physical, chemical and biological properties can improve Maize growth, leading to higher yield. Additionally it boosts soil conservation by providing more ground cover than mono-cropping.

Inter Cropping of Chilli with Coriander and Fenugreek in Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

A field experiment entitled “Inter Cropping of Chilli With Coriander and Fenugreek in Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions” was conducted from December, 2021 – March, 2022 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and 08 treatments. The experiment consisted of six cropping combinations viz., sole chilli, sole coriander, sole fenugreek, chilli + coriander, chilli+ fenugreek, chilli + coriander + fenugreek. The highest yield (green chilli) was obtained from treatment T1 (Sole chilli @ 100 % RDF) (13.06 t ha-1). Among the intercropping treatments, the highest chilli yield (12.73 t ha-1) was obtained from treatment T4 (chilli @ 85% RDF + coriander @15% RDF) whereas the lowest (10.54 t ha-1) was found in treatment T8 (chilli @ 55 % RDF + coriander @ 22.5 % RDF + fenugreek@ 22.5% RDF). Chilli production was decreased by intercropping, but overall chilli yield rose above solitary chilli due to the contribution of companion crops. The highest chilli along with intercrop yield (150.71 t ha-1), gross return (1101506 Rs. ha-1), net return (817969 Rs. ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (3.88) were obtained from treatment T8 (chilli @ 55 % RDF + coriander @ 22.5 % RDF + fenugreek@ 20% RDF). Considering the experimental findings, treatment T8 (chilli @ 55 % RDF + coriander @ 22.5 % RDF + fenugreek@ 20% RDF) found the most suitable combination for higher productivity and economic return under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions.

Influence of relay intercropping of barley with chickpea on biochemical characteristics and yield under water stress.

Relay intercropping of legumes with cereals is a useful technique for yield increment. Intercropping may affect the photosynthetic pigments, enzyme activity and yield of barley and chickpea under water stress. To investigate the effect of relay intercropping of barley with chickpea on pigment content, enzyme activity and yield under water stress, a field experiment was conducted during 2017 and 2018. The treatments included irrigation regimes (normal irrigation and cutting off irrigation at the milk development stage) as the main plot. Also, cropping systems as sub plot consisted of sole and relay intercropping of barley with chickpea in two sowing dates (December vs January). Under water stress, the early establishment of barley in December intercropped with chickpea in January (b1c2) enhanced the leaf chlorophyll content by 16% compared to sole cropping due to less competition with chickpea. Late sowing of chickpea enhanced the leaf carotenoid content of chickpea, catalase and peroxidase activities. Barley-chickpea intercropping enhanced the WUE and guaranteed a more efficient use of space (land equivalent ratio of more than 1) compared with sole crops. Under water stress, in b1c2 enhancement of total chlorophyll and water use efficiency caused to increase the grain yield of barley. In b1c2, barley and chickpea reacted to water stress with increasing total chlorophyll and enzyme activity, respectively. In this relay intercropping treatment, each crop occupied and used the growth resources from different ecological niches at different times, which is recommended in semi-arid areas.

PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN CABAI DI LAHAN KERING YANG DITUMPANGSARIKAN DENGAN TANAMAN KACANG-KACANGAN PADA WAKTU TANAM YANG BERBEDA

This study aimed to determine growth and yield of red chili (Capsicum annum L.) in dryland intercropped with legumes at different planting times. A field experiment was conducted from May to September 2022 in Amor-Amor Hamlet, Gumantar Village, Kayangan District, North Lombok Regency. There were six intercropping treatments and three monoculture treatments tested. The treatments were: intercropping chili with groundnut or with mungbean planted or inserted at the same time, one week and three weeks after planting (WAP) the chili. The monoculture treatments were chili, groundnut and mungbean. The treatments were arranged in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results showed that intercropping chili with mungbean and groundnut at various planting times affected the growth and yield of chili. The yield of chili increased with the presence of groundnut planted simultaneously and with mungbean planted three weeks after chili. Meanwhile, there was a decrease in the yield of groundnut and mungbean as a result of intercropping treatment.

Intercropping of Chilli with Carrot and Radish in Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

A field experiment entitled “Intercropping of Chilli with Carrot and Radish in Prayagraj Agro- climatic Conditions” was conducted from November 2021 to March 2022 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. This Experiment was laid out in randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and 08 treatments. The experiment consisted of six cropping combinations which are, Sole chilli, sole carrot, sole radish, chilli + carrot, chilli+ radish, chilli + carrot + radish. The highest yield (green chilli) was obtained on the treatment T1 (sole chilli @100 % RDF) (13.09 t ha-1). Among the intercropping treatments, the highest chilli yield (12.68 t ha-1) was obtained from the treatment T6 (chilli @ 70% RDF + carrot @ 30% RDF) whereas the lowest yield (10.57 t ha-1) was found in treatment T8 (chilli @ 60% RDF + carrot @ 20% RDF + radish @ 20% RDF). Intercropping reduced the chilli yield, but the total chilli with intercrops yield increased over the sole chilli. Due to the contribution of companion crops. The highest chilli yield along with intercrop yield (150.71 t ha-1), gross return of (1101506 Rs. ha-1), net return of (817969 Rs. ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (3.88) were obtained from the treatment T8 (Chilli@ 60 % RDF + Carrot @ 20 % RDF + Radish @ 20 % RDF). Considering the experimental finding’s, treatment T8 (Chilli @ 60% RDF + Carrot @ 20 % RDF+ Radish @ 20 % RDF) were found the most suitable combination for the higher productivity and economic return under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions.

Intercropping red chili with leguminous crops to improve crop diversity and farmers’ resilience to climate change effects in dryland

This study aimed to explore the potential benefits of intercropping and determine the best time to sow leguminous crops between the rows of red chili or chili crops. Two leguminous crops, mungbean, and peanut were intercropped with chili in a dryland area of Gumantar, North Lombok, Indonesia. The leguminous seeds were sown five times; at the same time, a week, two weeks, three weeks, and four weeks after transplanting the chili seedlings. The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The size of each treatment plot was 600 × 100 cm, and the chili crops’ spacing was 60 × 60 cm. Three rows of leguminous crops were sown between the rows of chili crops with a spacing of 20 × 20 cm. Monocropping of chili, mungbean, and peanut was also provided in each block to calculate the land equivalent ratio (LER). The results showed that all the intercropping treatments had a LER value of higher than 1.0, indicating the advantage of intercropping over monocropping in terms of land utilization.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation and Intercropping Combine to Control Nematodes in Bananas

Aims: To investigate the combined effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and intercropping on the control of the nematode Radopholus similis in banana.
 Study Design: The study involved an experiment in which banana-banana monocrops alongside banana-groundnut and banana-sweet potato intercrops were inoculated with AMF Rhizophagus irregularis MUCL 41833 to control the nematode R. similis.
 Place and Duration of Study: Centre Africain de Recherches sur les Bananiers et Plantains (CARBAP), from September 2016 to April 2017.
 Methodology: An experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions (photoperiod 12 h. average temperature 24 - 28°C and 70 - 80% relative humidity) and R. irregularis were tested against R. similis with banana intercropped with either groundnut, sweet potato or banana itself. The plants were cultivated in boxes (30 x 15 x 10 cm) containing sterilized (2x1hour at 121°C) sand/coffee ash substrate (proportion 1:2 v/v), as an intercropping system with the following plant combinations: Banana-banana, banana-groundnut and banana-sweet potato. The experimental set-up was a completely randomized design comprising four treatments and six replicates: (1): Nematode (Nem), (2) AMF, (3) AMF + Nema and (4) control without nematode and without AMF. The ratio of banana: intercrop was 1:1 in the intercropping treatments. A total of 72 boxes was considered in the experimental set-up.
 Results: AMF root colonization of banana was clearly affected by intercropping with about 25% increment observed in banana co-cultivated with groundnut or sweet potato compared to banana-banana combination. Positive effects of AMF expressed as an increase in banana biomass compared to the control treatment was observed in root fresh as well as shoot dry weights. However, the impact of AMF colonization in intercropping systems on R. similis did not confirm its bioprotective effect. Intercropping had a significant (P < .05) effect on R. similis and sweet potato has been shown to be more effective in controlling R. similis with 62% reduction compared to groundnut (24% reduction). Contrarily, banana plant growth decreased in the banana / sweet potato combination.
 Conclusion: Findings in this study indicate that R. similis biological control in the banana intercropping system is more dependent on the intercrop species than on AMF.

Enhancing phytoremediation of arsenic-contaminated soil by agronomic practices (drip irrigation and intercropping): Influence of soil organic matter

It is essential to improve the efficiency and economic benefits of phytoremediation. In this study, drip irrigation and intercropping were used to enhance the phytoremediation of arsenic-contaminated soil. Meanwhile, the influence of soil organic matter (SOM) on phytoremediation was investigated by comparing the difference in arsenic migration in soils with or without peat addition as well as the arsenic accumulation of plants. The results showed that hemispherical wetted bodies with a radius of approximately 6.5 cm were formed in the soil after drip irrigation. Arsenic in the center of the wetted bodies migrated to the edge of the wetted bodies. Peat inhibited the upward migration of arsenic from the deep subsoil and increased the phytoavailability of arsenic under drip irrigation conditions. To soils without peat added, drip irrigation decreased the arsenic accumulation in crops (planted at the center of the wetted body) while increased the arsenic accumulation in remediation plants (planted at the edge of the wetted body) compared with the flood irrigation treatment. An increase in soil organic matter of about 36 % was found after mixing 2 % peat in the soil, and correspondingly, arsenic concentrations in remediation plants increased by >28 % in both intercropping treatments with a drip or flood irrigation. Drip irrigation coupled with intercropping enhanced the effect of phytoremediation, and the addition of soil organic matter further improved phytoremediation efficiency.

Intercropping efficiency of Pteris vittata with two legume plants: Impacts of soil arsenic concentrations

Intercropping of hyperaccumulators with crops has emerged as a promising method for remediating arsenic (As)-contaminated soil in agroecosystems. However, the response of intercropping hyperaccumulators with different types of legume plants to diverse gradients of As-contaminated soil remains poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the response of plant growth and accumulation of an As hyperaccumulator (Pteris vittata L.) intercropped with two legume plants to three gradients of As-contaminated soil. Results indicated that soil As concentration had a substantial effect on the As uptake by plants. P. vittata growing in slightly As-contaminated soil (80 mg kg−1) exhibited higher As accumulation (1.52–5.49 folds) than those in higher As-contaminated soil (117 and 148 mg kg−1), owing to the lower soil pH in high As-contaminated soil. Intercropping with Sesbania cannabina L. increased As accumulation in P. vittata by 19.3%− 53.9% but decreased in intercropping with Cassia tora L. This finding was attributed to S. cannabina providing more NO3--N to P. vittata to support its growth, and higher resistance to As. The decreased rhizosphere pH in the intercropping treatment also resulted in the increased As accumulation in P. vittata. Meanwhile, the As concentrations in the seeds of the two legume plants met the national food standards(<0.5 mg kg−1). Therefore, the intercropping P. vittata with S. cannabina is a highly effective intercropping system in slightly As-contaminated soil and provides a potent method for As phytoremediation.

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.

Apple–Soybean Mixed Stand Increased Fine Root Distribution and Soil Water Content with Reduced Soil Nitrate Nitrogen

In dryland agroecosystems, intercropping fruit trees with legumes is often an important option for maintaining and improving soil N quality and fertility. The relationships of fine root length density (FRLD), soil water content (SWC), and soil NO3−-N content (SNC) in agroforestry systems is essential for optimal orchard management. Our objective was to understand the temporal and spatial dynamics of FRLD, SWC, and SNC in an apple–soybean intercropping system and competition between species for ecological niches. We established an orchard with soybean and apple, including monoculture apple (MA), monoculture soybean (MS), and apple–soybean intercrop (AS) treatments. We collected data on the distribution of FRLD, SWC, SNC, and productivity under the MA, AS, and MS from 2020 to 2021. This study showed that AS had more FRLD compared to MA, and intercropping apple (IA) FRLD increased at 20–60 cm soil depth at 50 and 100 cm from the tree and decreased at 0–40 cm soil depth at 150 and 200 cm from the tree. Intercropping increased the SWC of the system and decreased the SNC, and the effect of intercropping was concentrated in the soybean cover area. The competition between apple and soybean reached its maximum at soybean seed filling stage, with competition occurring mainly at 100 cm from the tree and at 0–20 cm soil depth. Intercropping affected soybean growth and also reduced soybean yield with a land equivalent ratio = 1.45. By understanding the dynamics of subsoil resources in the apple–soybean intercropping system and interspecific competition, we can provide a theoretical basis for exploring the potential of sustainable intensification of agroforestry systems.

Performance of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) based Intercropping System in kharif under Different Row Proportion on Yield and Economics

An Agronomic investigation entitled “Performance of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Based intercropping system in kharif under different row proportion” was carried out at Agriculture College Farm, Nagpur during kharif 2017-18. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments as T1- Sole sesame, T2 - Sole green gram, T3 - Sole black gram, T4 - Sesame : Green gram in 1:1 row ratio, T5 - Sesame : Green gram in 2:1 row ratio, T6 - Sesame : Green gram in 3:1 row ratio, T7 - Sesame : Black gram in 1:1 row ratio, T8 - Sesame : Black gram in 2:1 row ratio and T9 - Sesame : Black gram in 3:1 row ratio and were replicated thrice. The results of the study indicated that, among all treatments, sole sesame (T1) recorded highest seed yield, straw yield and biological yield. Among the intercropping treatments, sesame with black gram in 1:1 row ratio recorded higher seed yield, straw yield and biological yield. Intercropping of sesame: black gram in 1:1 row ratio (T7) recorded the higher GMR (₹ 87563 ha-1), NMR (₹ 62060 ha-1), B:C ratio (3.43).

Alfalfa and maize intercropping enhances soil nematode structure and food web complexity in low-nitrogen soils

Soil nematodes play key roles in soil ecosystem processes and functions. Although agricultural practices such as intercropping and nitrogen (N) fertilization are known to have a strong influence on soil nematodes, less is known about the responses of the soil nematode community to the combined effects of intercropping and N fertilization. This study was conducted to test whether the intercropping of maize and alfalfa can enhance the nematode community and quantified the effects of intercropping and N fertilization on nematode abundance, diversity, and metabolic footprints compared with soils under monoculture systems. An experiment involving maize and alfalfa was conducted in a 2 × 3 factorial completely randomized block design with four replications. The factors consisted of two N levels, namely, no N fertilization and N fertilization (225 kg N ha−1 yr−1), and three cropping modes: monoculture maize, monoculture alfalfa and maize intercropped with alfalfa. The results showed that, compared with the monoculture systems, intercropping increased total nematode and omnivore–predator abundances but reduced herbivore abundance. The total nematode biomass and metabolic footprint of omnivores and predators significantly increased in the intercropping treatments, regardless of N fertilization. The soil food web in the intercropping system without N fertilization was mature, structured, and enriched, as indicated by high maturity, structure and enrichment index values. However, all these effects decreased in the monoculture treatments, particularly after N fertilization. These results indicated that, compared with the monoculture systems, maize/alfalfa intercropping in low-N soil can improve the structural complexity of the soil food web. The observed complexity was attributed to the high soil moisture content, soil organic carbon and total N under the intercropping and low-N conditions. Therefore, this study provides a promising way to improve soil health and ecosystem stability, revealing that alfalfa intercropping in low-N soils can improve resource flow in the soil food web through the increase in total nematode biomass and the metabolic footprints of nematodes.

RETRACTED: Response of intercropping coffee (Coffea arabica L.) with banana (Musa spp.) on yield, yield components, and quality of coffee

AbstractThe coffee plant (Coffea arabica L.) is thought to have begun as an understory tree species in Ethiopia's northeastern high rain forests. Bananas (Musa spp.) are commonly intercropped with coffee to provide shade as well as food and money. However, the effect of this practice on coffee production is little known, hence the present study was initiated with the objective of evaluating the effect of intercropping coffee with banana on the yield and quality of both crops. The experiment was carried out using mature coffee intercropped with banana (var. Butezua) in different ratios in Kalu district, northeastern Ethiopia between the 2018 and 2020 cropping seasons. It was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications of four intercropping ratios (4C:1B, 3C:1B, 2C:1B, and 1C:1B) and two sole cropped plots (sole coffee, C; and sole banana, B). Over years, analysis of variance showed that intercropping of coffee and banana highly significantly (p &lt; .01) influenced yield and growth parameters, such as clean coffee (a coffee free of taints and defects) yield, total plant height, number of main stem nodes, main stem internode length, number and percent of bearing primary branches, number of fruiting nodes per branch, canopy diameter, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf area of coffee trees. Similarly, coffee bean length, bean width, bean thickness, height up to the first primary branch, and number of primary branches were significantly (p &lt; .05) affected by the treatments. In general, the results revealed that among the intercropped treatments, the staggered planting pattern (4C:1B) gave the maximum clean coffee yield (1,357.3 kg ha−1) and fresh banana fruit yield (20,482 kg ha−1) followed by the 3C:1B treatment, which gave (1,346.5 and 21,321 kg ha−1) clean coffee and green banana yields, respectively. In addition, higher mean land equivalent ratios (LER) of 1.78 and 1.61 and maximum net benefits of 316,265.50 and 302,484.00 Ethiopian birr (ETB) ha−1 were obtained from 4C:1B and 3C:1B, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that farmers in the Kalu area and similar agro‐ecologies can use these two ratios when practicing coffee–banana intercropping. Further intercropping studies may be required to validate the present results over locations.