Sole Maize Crop Research Articles

Spatial and temporal variation in crop productivity and relation with soil fertility within upland agroforestry

Agroforestry can be an option of sustainable farming practices for upland communities. However, information of spatial and temporal variation in soil fertility and crop productivity along slopes, which can guide e.g. effective management, such as application of fertilizers, is limited. This study evaluated spatial and temporal variability in crop productivity and soil fertility along slopes in two different fruit tree agroforestry systems in upland areas of north-west Vietnam: (1) longan-mango agroforestry integrating longan (Dimocarpus longan L.), mango (Mangifera indica L.), maize (Zea mays L.), and guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.), and (2) plum agroforestry integrating plum (Prunus salicina L.), maize, and guinea grass. The two systems were established on relatively steep slopes, 37 % and 65 % slope, respectively. Crop performance and soil fertility were measured in different positions relative to the fruit tree-grass rows over 4–5 years and compared with sole-crop maize. The results showed that maize height, grain yield, and leaf nitrogen (N) concentrations were significantly higher at the upslope than downslope side of tree-grass rows. For example, the grain yields were 30–35 % higher at the upslope than downslope side. Regarding soil fertility, there was a tendency that SOC, total N, total phosphorus (P), available P, and available potassium (K) were higher at the upslope than downslope side of tree-grass rows. Thus, the forage grass strips played an important role in trapping N and other nutrients, and enhanced nutrient use efficiency within agroforestry at the steeply sloping study sites. The maize performance and soil fertility in the areas mid-way between two tree-grass rows were comparable to those in sole-crop maize. The results of this study can provide guidance for farmers managing fruit tree agroforestry in north-west Vietnam or other regions with similar cropping, climate, and biophysical characteristics to implement more effective plot management practices on sloping land.

Evaluation of Rabi Maize-based Intercropping System for Augmenting the Productivity and Profitability of Rabi Maize under Irrigated Conditions of Bihar

Background: A combination of maize and legume, cabbage and potato in intercropping benefits the agricultural production system due to different peak period of growth and synergistic effects, which reflected into yield advantage. In order to reduce nutritional competition and the yield gaps between actual production and production potential for both crops in the intercropping system, more information is required for the optimization of maize-based intercropping systems. So, keeping above fact in mind, the present study was undertaken to find out the suitable rabi maize based intercropping system for augmenting productivity and profitability of maize. Methods: A field experiment was conducted on the farmer’s field of selected villages of KVK Bhagalpur (on-farm trials) during the winter (rabi) season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 on rabi maize to validate, refine and popularize the technology developed at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur (Bihar) and ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), Ludhiana, for enhancing the productivity and profitability of rabi maize. The experiment, comprising four treatments, viz., sole rabi maize (farmer’s practice), maize + potato (1:1 row ratio), maize + vegetable pea (1:2 row ratio) and maize + cabbage (1:1 row ratio), was arranged in a randomized block design (RBD) with five replications. All five farmers selected for experimentation were treated as replications. Result: Experimental results revealed that all three intercropping associations of maize + vegetable pea (1:2 row ratio), maize + potato (1:1 row ratio), maize + vegetable pea (1:2 row ratio) and maize + cabbage (1:1 row ratio) produced significantly higher maize equivalent yields than the sole crop of rabi maize. However, among the intercropping systems, maize + vegetable pea (1:2 row ratio) produced the highest maize equivalent yield (241.0 q/ha) and significantly incurred the highest net return (322093 ₹ /ha), as well as a higher B: C ratio (6.04) than the rest of the intercropping systems as well as sole crop of rabi maize.

The alteration of interspecific interaction responded to various relative sowing time in wheat/maize intercropping.

An interspecific interaction is an important reason for the yield advantage of interspecific cropping compared with sole cropping, and the relative sowing time of species is an important factor affecting interspecific competitiveness. Our purpose was to explore the effects of different relative sowing times on the interspecific competition-recovery phenomenon in wheat and maize intercropping systems. Three planting methods (wheat/maize intercropping, wheat and maize sole cropping) and different relative sowing times of wheat were used to carry out field experiments over two years. Sequential harvest of subplots was performed between 3 and 6 times, and the biomass data were fitted to logistic growth model. Delaying the sowing time of wheat reduced the wheat yield, biomass and nutrient acquisition and increased those of maize, but wheat still had an intercropping advantage during the co-growth period. At the same time, the nutrient acquisition of maize was still inhibited, but its recovery growth advanced. Changing the relative sowing time of wheat significantly changed the maximum instantaneous growth rates of wheat and maize. Delaying the relative sowing time of wheat significantly reduced its maximum instantaneous growth rate, while enhancing that of maize, leading to a balanced mutual benefit. Delaying the sowing time of wheat to the same sowing time as maize will change wheat/maize intercropping from asymmetrical interspecific facilitation to symmetrical interspecific facilitation. However, in this case, intercropped wheat still had an interspecific competitive advantage in the co-growth stage, and intercropped maize still underwent a competition-recovery process.

Improved Agronomic Practices on Enhancement of Quality Forage Production for Livestock Farming

The lack of nutrient-rich fodder and forage is one of the problems of livestock farming. Adequate tillage operations, timely and suitable water management, weed management, insect pests and disease management, fertilizer management, seeding at the proper time and seed rate, timely harvesting, and other agronomic techniques can all help to increase the nutritional content and yield of fodder and forage crops. A number of research and review papers have been systematically reviewed in this study. The use of tillage practices such as primary, secondary, conventional, and deep tillage enhances dry matter and yield of green fodder as compared to zero tillage. The organic matter (OM) content and dry matter (DM) of fodder crops are increased by regular and appropriate irrigation. The DMD (dry matter digestibility) and CP (crude protein) contents of early harvested forages are higher than those of late harvested forages. The application of nitrogen promotes crop development and growth, increasing the production of green fodder and improving its quality. Intercropping is essential for increasing the yield of fodder crops. Compared to sole cropping of maize and cowpea, the yield is found higher in intercropping of maize + cowpea. The production and quality of fodder are decreased by late seeding. The management of insect pests and diseases enhances the production and quality of fodder and forage. Thus, we draw the conclusion that fodder and forage crops production and their quality parameters are greatly influenced by agronomic practices.

Effect of Intercropping Spinach and Radish on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays)

Background: Intercropping increases crop yield per unit area by intensifying the use of land. Cultivation of maize with leafy vegetables provides better use of land and other environmental resources, which results in higher economic yield. The current investigation aimed to study the effect of maize-spinach and maize-radish intercropping on growth and yield of maize under rainfed condition of Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh. Methods: The field experiment was conducted during 2021 in randomized block design consisting of 3 treatments i.e. T1- Sole Maize, T2- Maize + spinach and T3- Maize + radish with four replications. Observations on growth and yield parameters and yield of maize were recorded on harvesting of the crop. The results were analysed using standard statistical procedures of ANOVA. Result: In maize + spinach and maize + radish intercropping, plant height (176.3 cm), numbers of leaves (15.49) and leaf area (5407 cm2 plant-1) were significantly greater in sole maize than the intercropping system. On the other hand, the yield parameters as well as yield of maize was higher in maize + radish intercropping as compared to maize + spinach and sole maize system. The grain yield of maize under maize + radish intercropping was 3066.25 kg ha-1. The B:C (1.92) was significantly higher in intercrops than the sole maize crop. From this study, it can be concluded that the intercrops are agronomically and economically viable than sole cropping. The intercropping of maize with radish would be profitable due to higher yield of maize as well as B:C (2 rows of maize and 2 rows of soybean) under farmer’s field condition of Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Effects of Maize/Peanut Intercropping on Yield and Nitrogen Uptake and Utilization under Different Nitrogen Application Rates

The effects of maize/peanut intercropping on crop yields, peanut nodulation, biological nitrogen (N) fixation in peanuts, crop N uptake, and N use efficiency under different N application rates were studied. A long-term maize/peanut intercropping micro-plot experiment was started in 2015. The experiment included the following three planting patterns: maize sole crop (SM), peanut sole crop (SP), and maize and peanut intercropping (intercropping maize: IM; intercropping peanut: IP). Additionally, three N application rates were tested as follows: 0 kg·ha−1 (N0), 150 kg·ha−1 (N150), and 300 kg·ha−1 (N300). The results indicated that N fertilization significantly increased maize yield. Intercropping increased maize yield while decreasing peanut yield across different N application rates. Both N fertilization and intercropping significantly increased the maize harvest index (HI), whereas intercropping decreased the peanut HI under N300. The number and fresh weight of peanut nodules decreased with the increasing N application rate with reductions ranging from 31.15% to 45.23% and 39.60% to 46.67%, respectively. Intercropping increased the number of peanut nodules by an average of 62.56% under the N0 treatment. Intercropping significantly improved the N absorption capacity of the whole intercropping system, and the contribution of maize was higher than that of peanuts. Maize demonstrated a stronger competitive ability for N uptake compared with peanuts in the intercropping system. Intercropping significantly increased the N use efficiency for both maize and peanuts. However, the N use efficiency of maize increased with N application rates, while that of peanut decreased. Compared with sole crops, intercropping increased the partial factor productivity of maize by 55.2% but decreased that of peanuts by 56.3%. In conclusion, at an N application rate of 150 kg·ha−1, maize/peanut intercropping increased overall crop yield and improved the N absorption and use capacity of maize

Comparative effects of legume‐based intercropping systems involving pigeon pea and cowpea under deep‐bed and conventional tillage systems in Malawi

AbstractLeguminous‐based intercropping, combined with conservation agriculture, is a promising approach to improve soil fertility, crop yields, and sustainable land use for smallholder farmers in sub‐Saharan Africa, including Malawi. This study aimed to assess the effects of incorporating legume‐based intercropping systems involving pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) into the deep bed farming (DBF) system promoted by Tiyeni in northern Malawi. The study used a split plot design with cropping systems (CS) as the main plots and tillage systems (TS) as the sub‐plots. All treatments were replicated three times. The study encompassed two cropping seasons, where CS included legume‐based treatments, sole cropped maize (Zea mays) without fertilizer (MZ) and sole cropped maize with 92 kg top dressing N fertilizer per hectare (MZ + 92), while TS included DBF and conventional tillage (CT). The study found that all plots with leguminous crops on both DBF and CT showed higher levels of ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3−) and phosphorus (P) in the soil, but DBF had significantly higher levels over 2 years. Intercropping systems showed higher land productivity (land equivalent ratio > 1) than sole cropping in both years, indicating that legume‐based cropping can improve land use efficiency and yields. It can be noted from this study that intercropping systems based on cereals and legumes, implemented in DBF, has the potential to sustain agricultural intensification in sub‐Saharan African countries where access to chemical fertilizers is limited among smallholder farmers.

Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Maize (Zea Mays L.) As Influenced by Cropping Systems and Different Npk20:10:10 Compound Fertilizer Rates

Field trials were conducted during the 2022 and 2023 cropping seasons at Prince Abubakar Audu University Research and Students Demonstration farm, Anyigba, to evaluate and compare the growth and yield performance of maize under three cropping systems and four NPK20:10:10 compound fertilizer rates. A sole crop of maize was initially established at the four fertilizer rates tested, using the randomized complete block design, and replicated three times. For the purpose of double cropping, maize seeds were replanted after the harvest of the sole crop maize, while a second crop of maize, also grown for the harvest of dry grains, was sown in between the rows of the sole crop maize in relay cropping, as soon as tasselling began. Maize data collected included plant height, days to first tasseling, days to 50 % tasseling, cob length at harvest, number of grains per cob, 1000-grain weight and grain yield per hectare. Results showed non-significant interactions (P˃0.05) of cropping system and fertilizer rate for most parameters measured, except plant height at 3, 6 and 9 WAP and 1000-grain weight. Averaged over two years, grain yield was higher under mono-cropping but was different (P˂0.05) only under relay cropping, where the lowest grain yield was obtained. The higher land equivalent ratio values of double cropping over relay intercropping across the fertilizer rates tested suggest that it is a better system for increasing maize production in the zone.

Intercropping Maize with Faba Bean Improves Yield, Income, and Soil Fertility in Semiarid Environment.

Continuous adoption of improved maize varieties in the last three decades has changed farm landscapes from heterogeneity to maize homogeneity in semiarid areas of Ethiopia. This has substantially decreased maize productivity. Recently, farmers have integrated faba bean into maize-based farming systems aimed at increasing productivity. Yet, there is limited information on the effects of maize-faba bean intercropping on productivity and land-use efficiency. We studied the effects of maize intercrops with two faba bean varieties (Gora and Moti) at three different densities (25, 50, and 75%) of the recommended sole faba bean (250,000 plants ha-1) on yield, economic return, and some soil fertility indicators in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used for the experiment. The intercrops revealed that a significantly higher total grain yield, economic revenue, and land equivalent ratio (LER) over the sole cropping. Intercrops also showed higher soil organic carbon and total nitrogen compared to the preplanting soil and sole maize. Maize intercropped with the Gora faba bean variety at a density of 50% increased the total grain yields, economic return, and LER, respectively, by 13, 42, and 38% over the sole maize. The intercrop also increased soil total N by 55 and 22% compared to the preplanting soil and sole maize, respectively. Intercropping maize with faba bean significantly improved crop yield, income, land-use productivity, and some soil fertility indicators than either the sole maize or faba bean crop in the semiarid region of northern Ethiopia.

Two crops are better than one for nutritional and economic outcomes of Zambian smallholder farms, but require more labour

Sustainable intensification practices suitable for smallholders in southern Africa will be needed to counteract the impact of future climate change and soil fertility decline in the region. Diversification of maize-based farming systems with grain legumes could play a key role. Here, we compared the performance of different maize-legume diversification strategies (single-row intercropping, strip cropping, and crop rotation) with sole cropped maize under conventional ploughing and Conservation Agriculture in four Zambian districts in the Eastern and Southern Provinces. These options were assessed using the Sustainable Intensification Assessment Framework (SIAF), with metrics representing productive, economic, human, social, and environmental dimensions. Data were collected from on-farm trials over three growing seasons. We found no significant effect of cropping systems on individual maize and legume grain yield across growing seasons, but substantial nutritional and economic benefits of intercropping systems due to simultaneously growing two crops. In particular, maize-legume intercropping strategies (single-row intercropping and strip cropping) resulted in higher energy and protein yield at cropping system level than sole maize and maize-legume rotation, which had positive implications for human nutrition. Although there were increased labour requirements to manage the intercrops, and particularly the strip crops, these cropping systems had much higher net benefits and returns to labour and inputs than the other cropping systems tested. Farmer evaluations however did not show a preference for the intercropping systems over the maize-legume rotation or sole maize, most likely because labour and its availability may be as or more important for farmers than overall cropping system benefits. Soil organic carbon content and soil pH did not differ between the tested cropping systems at the start of the trials and after three cropping seasons, but decreased over this period independently of the cropping system. Overall, the results indicate that maize-legume strip cropping, and single-row intercropping can increase food and nutrition security as well as gross benefits from farming, but this comes at the expense of greater labour requirements throughout the growing season. The latter may be addressed through, e.g., appropriate-scale farm mechanization, if intercropping or strip cropping systems are to become a viable option for labour, not land, constrained farms in Southern Africa.

Long-Term Maize Intercropping with Peanut and Phosphorus Application Maintains Sustainable Farmland Productivity by Improving Soil Aggregate Stability and P Availability

The intercropping of maize (Zea mays L.) and peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) (M||P) significantly enhances crop yield. In a long-term M||P field experiment with two P fertilizer levels, we examined how long-term M||P affects topsoil aggregate fractions and stability, organic carbon (SOC), available phosphorus (AP), and total phosphorus (TP) in each aggregate fraction, along with crop yields. Compared to their respective monocultures, long-term M||P substantially increased the proportion of topsoil mechanical macroaggregates (7.6–16.3%) and water-stable macroaggregates (>1 mm) (13.8–36.1%), while reducing the unstable aggregate index (ELT) and the percentage of aggregation destruction (PAD). M||P significantly boosted the concentration (12.9–39.9%) and contribution rate (4.1–47.9%) of SOC in macroaggregates compared to single crops. Moreover, the concentration of TP in macroaggregates (>1 mm) and AP in each aggregate fraction of M||P exceeded that of the respective single crops (p < 0.05). Furthermore, M||P significantly increased the Ca2-P, Ca8-P, Al-P, and Fe-P concentrations of intercropped maize (IM) and the Ca8-P, O-P, and Ca10-P concentrations of intercropped peanuts (IP). The land equivalent ratio (LER) of M||P was higher than one, and M||P stubble improved the yield of subsequent winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) compared with sole-crop maize stubble. P application augmented the concentration of SOC, TP, and AP in macroaggregates, resulting in improved crop yields. In conclusion, our findings suggest that long-term M||P combined with P application sustains farmland productivity in the North China Plain by increasing SOC and macroaggregate fractions, improving aggregate stability, and enhancing soil P availability.

Do intercropping and mineral nitrogen fertilizer affect weed community structures in low-input maize-based cropping systems?

Weeds are a major threat to crop growth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly in low-input cropping systems. We investigated the effect of different cropping systems and nitrogen fertilizer on weed infestation during the 2017/18 and 2018/19 cropping seasons in Goromonzi district, Zimbabwe. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine if and how weed composition and structure are affected by intercropping maize with either an improved or landrace cowpea variety compared to sole crops of maize and of improved or landrace cowpea; (2) if and how weed composition and structure are affected by nitrogen fertilization; and (3) how the subsequent changes in weed infestation affect grain yield. Weed parameters were measured at different dates during the cropping cycle, and grain yield was measured at harvest. Significant differences were observed for the density of the 21 weed species collected in two seasons; seven of these weed species had a relative density exceeding 5%. Significantly more weeds were recorded in sole maize compared to sole cowpea. Intercropping significantly reduced the density of C. benghalensis. In sole crops, application of mineral nitrogen fertilizer significantly affected weed density, diversity, richness, and groundcover. Maize grain yield was independent of weed biomass and density, in both sole crops and intercrops. However, increase in weed biomass significantly reduced cowpea yield. Our results suggest that growing sole cowpea reduces weed infestation, therefore, cowpea should be considered as one of the options for effective weed control in subsistence farming communities, where access to herbicides is lacking.

Production potential, sustainability and energetics of groundnut based intercropping systems in Upper Krishna Project command area of Karnataka

The field experiment conducted to evaluate the productivity and energetics of groundnut based intercropping systems during rabi/summer in UKP (Upper Krishna Project) command area of Karnataka revealed higher groundnut equivalent yield (GEY, 2.40 and 2.41 t/ha, respectively), monetary returns (Gross returns ` 84045 and ` 84180, net returns ` 64522 and ` 64220, and B:C ratio of 3.29 and 3.21, respectively) and energy output (12.61 x 106 and 12.82 x 106 K cal/ha, respectively) with groundnut + sesame in 4:2 and 5:1 row proportions followed by groundnut + maize in 4:2 row ratio (2.19 t/ha GEY, ` 76531 gross returns, ` 55981 net returns, 2.73 B:C ratio, and 16.15 x 106 K cal/ha energy output). Groundnut + sunflower was not advantageous over sole groundnut (2.01 and 1.99 t/ha yield equivalent, ` 68786 gross returns, ` 49058 net returns, 2.49 B:C ratio, and 11.14 x 106 K cal/ha energy yield). While, sole crops of maize, sunflower and sesame were poor in their productivity in comparison to groundnut. Thus, on-farm groundnut crop diversification through intercropping was advantageous during rabi/summer in UKP command area of Karnataka.

Foliage-Sprayed Nano-Chitosan-Loaded Nitrogen Boosts Yield Potentials, Competitive Ability, and Profitability of Intercropped Maize-Soybean

The progressive reduction of synthetic agrochemical fertilizers is one of the key factors in the shift from conventional agriculture to sustainable farming. Nitrogen (N) is the ruling element in the development of agricultural production, but its use in the mineral form or its excessive use causes several environmental issues. Since the release of N nanocomposites coincides with their uptake by crops, N loss reduces while enhancing plant uptake due to nano fertilizers application. Additionally, an intercropping legume with cereal as an eco-friendly pattern could improve and rationalize the nitrogenous inputs. Therefore, a two-year field trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of nano-chitosan-loaded N (CS-NNPs) for saving mineral N amounts applied in maize-based on maize-soybean intercropping and enhancing land productivity. Methods In a randomized split-plot design in three replicates, three intercropping patterns, in addition to the sole crops, and three N levels were implemented. Intercropping involved three intercrop configurations [planting maize rows (M) alternated with soybean rows (S) in patterns of 4M:2S, 2M:4S, and 3M:3S)], in addition to planting sole maize crop (SMC) and sole soybean crop (SSC). N fertilization treatments included adding 288 kg N ha−1 (MN100%) and two levels of CS-NNPs composite involving 216 kg N ha−1 + 2 foliar sprays of CS-NNPs (MN75% + 2CS-NNPs), and 144 kg N ha−1 + 3 foliar sprays of CS-NNPs composite (MN50% + 3CS-NNPs). Under the tested treatments, the agronomic traits, intercropping indices, and economic benefits were estimated. Results Findings revealed that the application of SMC × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs, followed by 4M:2S × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs showed the highest growth, biological yield, and grain yield of maize. The interaction of SSC × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs, followed by 2M:4S × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs resulted in the highest seed yield components, biological yield, straw yield, and seed yield of soybean. Application of 2M:4S × MN100%, 2M:4S × MN50% + 3NNPs, and 3M:3S × MN100% recorded the maximum total land equivalent ratio. While applications of 2M:4S × MN100%, 2M:4S × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs, and 3M:3S × MN100% achieved the highest land equivalent coefficient, land-use efficiency, area time equivalent ratio, and percent yield difference. Likewise, both interactions of 2M:4S × MN75% + 2CS-NNPs and 3M:3S × MN100% recorded the highest system productivity index. Better yield advantage of maize-soybean intercrop compared with the monocrop since total actual yield loss values were positive and higher than zero in all interactions of intercropping pattern × N fertilization. Fertilizing maize with MN50% + 3CS NNPs grown under the 2M:4S pattern had the highest positive aggressivity values. Conclusion The productivity shortfall accompanying the 25% N reduction was compensated by the application of CS-NNPs. Thus, N applied to the maize intercropped with soybeans can be rationalized. This undoubtedly has a good economic payoff for the maize growers with the conservation of the agricultural environment. In maize production systems, it is advisable to fertilize the plants using 216 kg instead of 288 kg nitrogen ha−1 when nano chitosan-loaded nitrogen composite twice (0.48 kg nitrogen ha−1) applied.

Evaluation of Maize and Pulses Intercropping System under Rainfed Condition in Western Zone of Tamil Nadu, India

A field experiment was conducted in rabi seasons (2022) at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore to study the maize-based intercropping with different legumes under rainfed condition as there are less research work regarding intercropping of maize in this area. Greengram (Vigna radiata), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) were selected as intercrops in 4:1 and 6:1 row ratio. The result of the study indicated that intercropping of greengram and cowpea with maize (Zea mays L.) in 4:1 gave higher total grain yield and stover yield compared to the sole cropping of maize under rainfed condition. Other intercropping indices like grain equivalent yield, land equivalent ratio, relative crowding coefficient, competition index and income equivalent ratio were calculated. Intercropping system of maize + greengram (4:1) recorded the higher net return and B: C ratio followed by it maize+ cowpea (4:1). Therefore, under rainfed conditions of western zone of Tamil Nadu, maize + greengram 4:1 intercropping system may be suggested to get greater net return and B: C ratio.

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

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

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

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

Nitrogen application enhances yield, yield-attributes, and physiological characteristics of dryland wheat/maize under strip intercropping.

Intercropping has been acknowledged as a sustainable practice for enhancing crop productivity and water use efficiency under rainfed conditions. However, the contribution of different planting rows towards crop physiology and yield is elusive. In addition, the influence of nitrogen (N) fertilization on the physiology, yield, and soil water storage of rainfed intercropping systems is poorly understood; therefore, the objective of this experiment was to study the contribution of different crop rows on the physiological, yield, and related traits of wheat/maize relay-strip intercropping (RSI) with and without N application. The treatments comprised of two factors viz. intercropping with three levels (sole wheat, sole maize, and RSI) and two N application rates, with and without N application. Results showed that RSI significantly improved the land use efficiency and grain yield of both crops under rainfed conditions. Intercropping with N application (+N treatment) resulted in the highest wheat grain yield with 70.37 and 52.78% increase as compared with monoculture and without N application in 2019 and 2020, respectively, where border rows contributed the maximum followed by second rows. The increase in grain yield was attributed to higher values of the number of ears per square meter (10-25.33% more in comparison to sole crop without N application) during both study years. The sole wheat crop without any N application recorded the least values for all yield-related parameters. Despite the absence of significant differences, the relative decrease in intercropped maize under both N treatments was over 9% compared to the sole maize crop, which was mainly ascribed to the border rows (24.65% decrease compared to the sole crop) that recorded 12 and 13% decrease in kernel number and thousand-grain weight, respectively than the sole crop. This might be attributed to the reduced photosynthesis and chlorophyll pigmentation in RSI maize crop during the blended growth period. In a nutshell, it can be concluded that wheat/maize RSI significantly improved the land use efficiency and the total yield compared to the sole crops' yield in arid areas in which yield advantages were mainly ascribed to the improvement in wheat yield.

Evaluation of Maize Common Bean Intercropping and Phosphorus Critical Level Rate Based on Calibrated Phosphorus in the Maize Based Farming System of Bedele District, Ethiopia.

Inclusion of legumes in cropping systems is essential for sustainable management of farming systems. A field experiment was conducted at Bedele district of south western Ethiopia during the 2020 and 2021 crop growing seasons to evaluate maize common bean intercropping and phosphorus critical level(Pc) rate for optimum maize common bean productivity and profitability. Treatments consisted of factorial combinations of three (without, single and double) rows of common bean between maize rows and four rates of phosphorus critical level (Pc %) (0,50,75 and 100 %)kgha-1 , where Pc = phosphorus critical level determined for maize in the district. A sole crop maize with recommended fertilizer rate of 92/100 % N/Pc ha-1 was used as a control treatment. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that the intercrop system was more productive relative to the sole crop. Common bean when associated with maize showed significant differences on maize grain yield. Maize common bean single row inter crop fertilized with (75% Pc ha-1 ) increased maize grain yield as compared to sole crop maize. Moreover, maize common bean single row intercropping with (75% Pc ha-1 ) was the most profitable with marginal rate of return (11.62%).Results from this study indicated that smallholders in the Bedele district can achieve higher maize grain yield productivity and profitability through the implementation of simultaneous intercropping of maize with common bean under inorganic fertilizer application.

Biomass and Methane Production in Double Cereal Cropping Systems with Different Winter Cereal and Maize Plant Densities

The biogas supply chain requires a correct combination of crops to maximize the methane yield per hectare. Field trials were carried out in North Italy over three growing seasons, according to a factorial combination of four cropping systems (maize as a sole-crop or after hybrid barley, triticale and wheat) and two maize plant densities (standard, 7.5 plants m−2 and high, 10 plants m−2) with the plants harvested as whole-crop silage. The specific methane production per ton was measured through the biochemical methane potential (BMP) method, while the methane yield per hectare was calculated on the basis of the BMP results and considering the biomass yield. The average methane yield of wheat resulted to be equal to 4550 Nm3 ha−1, and +17% and +28% higher than triticale and barley, respectively, according to the biomass yield. A delay in maize sowing reduced the yield potential of this crop; the biomass of maize grown after barley, triticale and wheat was 20%, 33% and 47% lower, respectively, than maize cultivated as a single crop. The high plant population increased the biomass yield in the sole-crop maize (+23%) and in the maize grown after barley (+20%), compared to the standard density. The highest biomass (32 t ha−1 DM) and methane yield (9971 Nm3 ha−1) within the cropping systems were obtained for barley followed by maize at a high plant density. This cropping system increased the methane yield by 46% and 18%, respectively, compared to the sole-crop maize or maize after triticale at a standard density. The smaller amount of available solar radiation, resulting from the later sowing of maize, reduced the advantage related to the application of a high plant density.