Effects of intercropping of maize with beans, the dry matter production and quality of forage
Subject Areas : New Finding in AgricultureM. Dargahi 1 , A. Souhani Darban 2
1 - M.Sc. Student of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
2 - Department of Agriculture, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
Keywords: Protein, leaf area, land equivalent ratio (LER), fiber yield,
Abstract :
Intercropping on the basis of potential environmental in areas where inputs such as land and water constraints faced by planting two or more crops are used repeatedly and in combination. In order to evaluate the effect of intercropping of maize the KSC 704 with two kinds of beans the Sunrise (Phaseolusvulgaris) and Cowpea Mashhad cultivars (Vigna unguiculata) The amount of dry matter forage production and quality testing in a randomized complete block design with split plot with five treatments and three replications during 2009-2010 in the field of Islamic Azad University of Mashhad. Intercropping in terms of the percentage ratios are 00: 100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 100: 00, respectively. The study characteristics included , forage fresh and dry weight, leaf area produced by plants, land equivalent ratio (LER), protein and fiber yield of forage. The results showed that land equivalent ratio (LER), in all intercropping treatments that represent more than a single ship intercropping advantage. Dry matter yield in intercropping system more than monoculture corn. Legumes in intercropping reduced leaf area But leaf area increased corn planting ratio of 75:25. Intercropping with cowpea compared with common beans effect on increased forage protein content than the monoculture system. Crude fiber content, in intercropping to monoculture corn, which increases the palatability of forage was reduced. The results showed that intercropping with cowpea good way to feed a high quality and quantity. Considering the forage yield and forage quality best planting ratio was as 75:25. The highest land equivalent ratio (LER) was obtained in this treatment.
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