Intercropping of cassava (Manihot esculenta) with maize or cowpea under different row arrangements

The effects of various intercropping arrangements of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and maize (Zea mays L.) or cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) on crop yields were compared over a 3-year period in Nigeria, in an attempt to improve grain yields of the maize and cowpea intercrops without substantially reducing the cassava root yield. Sole-cropped cassava produced the largest yield; this was significantly reduced by about 40% when intercropped with maize or cowpeas but only when using a 1:2 (cassava:intercrop) row arrangement, mainly because of a reduction in its population density. Cassava yield differences among different row arrangements were more marked when grown with maize than with cowpeas. Maize and cowpea grain yields were reduced by intercropping, but somewhat less so when grown with cassava in widely spaced rows. Cassava row spacing did not affect maize yield, but cowpea yield was affected significantly. Land Equivalent Ratios were always greater than 1, irrespective of the crop combinations and row arrangements. However, increased yields of intercropped cassava:maize were obtained at 1:1 or 2:2 row arrangements and of cassava:cowpea at 2:2 rows, without much reduction in cassava tuber yield.     

A staggered maize–legume intercrop arrangement robustly increases crop yields and economic returns in the highlands of Central Kenya

Smallholder farmers in East-Africa commonly intercrop maize (Zea mays L.) with grain legumes to maximize utilisation of land and labour, and attain larger crop yields. Conventionally, one legume line is intercropped between each pair of maize lines. This study evaluated the potential of a modified two-by-two staggered arrangement (MBILI) to increase crop yields and economic benefits in two sites in Central Kenya with contrasting soil fertility levels during 7 consecutive seasons. Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) were grown as legume intercrops. The MBILI system resulted in increased maize yields in both sites, and increased cowpea yields in the poor site. In the fertile site, using beans as an intercrop was most profitable, and the MBILI system increased net benefits by 40%, relative to the conventional system. In the poor site, groundnut and cowpea were better adapted, and the MBILI system increased net benefit by 12–37%. Positive effects of the MBILI system were most pronounced in the poor site, but occurred independent of soil fertility level. Rainfall amounts and distribution varied widely, but the MBILI system increased yields both under conditions of ample and inadequate rainfall. N balances were negative with beans and groundnut, but neutral with cowpea as the intercrop. A modest N fertilizer application is therefore essential to sustain yields in the long term, especially when beans or groundnuts are intercropped. In conclusion, the MBILI system, when combined with adjusted nutrient inputs, resulted in superior and robust improvements in crop yields and economic benefits, relative to the conventional intercropping system.     

Yield and land-use efficiency of a cassava/cowpea intercropping system grown at different phosphorus rates

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is frequently intercropped with cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp subsp. unguiculata] in the tropics. Little is known about the influence of P fertilization practices on the efficiency of land use and yields in cassava/cowpea intercropping systems. Two experiments were conducted on a Typic Dystropept soil with the objective of determining the influence of P application rate on yield and P status of cassava and cowpea grown in sole and intercropping systems, and the influence on land use efficiency. Cassava yields averaged across P rates were reduced 29% from the 28 Mg ha⁻¹ sole crop yield when intercropped with cowpea in 1979–1980. Cowpea yields were reduced by 19–38% from a sole crop yield of 1522 kg ha⁻¹ when intercropped in 1979, and 29–38% from a sole crop yield of 1277 kg ha⁻¹ in 1980. The rate of P application had little influence on cassava yield, except in 1981 when intercropped cassava yields were greater than 40 Mg ha⁻¹. In 1981, increasing the rate of P application from 0 to 44 kg ha⁻¹ resulted in a cassava yield increase from 41 to 47 Mg ha⁻¹. In 1979 and 1980, increasing the rate of P application from 0 to 22 kg ha⁻¹ increased cowpea yield 44 and 92%, respectively, while increasing P rate from 66 to 132 kg ha⁻¹ increased cowpea yield 28 and 18%, respectively. In 1981 and 1982, increasing the rate of P application from 0 to 44 kg ha⁻¹ increased cowpea yield by 1052 kg ha⁻¹. Phosphorus concentration of cassava and cowpea leaf blades increased with increases in rate of P application from 66 to 132 kg ha⁻¹ in 1979 and 1980, and from 0 to 44 kg ha⁻¹ in 1981 and 1982. Intercropping cassava with cowpea resulted in a 30% increase in land-use efficiency when no P was applied, while land-use efficiencies resulting from intercropping were increased by 41–50% with P application rates of 22–132 kg ha⁻¹. Cassava proved to be well-adapted to low-P soils and very competitive even without P application, whereas cowpea required the addition of P for adequate growth and yield. High productivity and a good competitive balance between the two crops were reached with only 22 kg ha⁻¹ of P, showing the great potential of cassava/cowpea intercropping on acid, infertile soils in the tropics.     

Productivity and residual benefits of grain legumes to sorghum under semi-arid conditions in south-western Zimbabwe: Unravelling the effects of water and nitrogen using a simulation model

The APSIM model was used to assess the impact of legumes on sorghum grown in rotation in a nutrient-limited system under dry conditions in south-western Zimbabwe. An experiment was conducted at Lucydale, Matopos Research Station, between 2002 and 2005. The model was used to simulate soil and plant responses in the experiment. Sequences of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) were used in the rotations. Legumes accumulated up to 130 kg of N ha⁻¹ which was potentially available for uptake by sorghum in the following season. The APSIM model predicted total biomass, grain and N yields of the legume phase within the experimental error and performed well in predicting sorghum yield and N supplied in the rotation after cowpea and groundnut. The model generally under-predicted sorghum total biomass and grain yield after pigeonpea. Observed patterns of crop water use, evaporative losses during the dry season and re-charge of soil profile at the start of the rainy season were generally well predicted by the model. An assessment of output on sorghum N and water stresses in the rotation indicated that the legume–cereal rotation is more driven by soil nitrogen availability than water availability even under semi-arid conditions. Further legume–cereal rotation analysis using the model will assist in the understanding of other processes in the rotations in dry environments.     

Combating viral mosaic disease of cassava in the Lake Zone of Tanzania by intercropping with legumes

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) production is constrained by many factors, including the viral cassava mosaic disease (CMD). This study was conducted to explore the potential of intercropping cassava with legumes to reduce CMD effects on cassava production. Local (Lyongo Kwimba) and improved (Suma) cassava varieties were intercropped with three types of grain legumes (groundnut, Arachis hypogea L. var. Upendo; cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. var. Vuli; and green gram, Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek var. Imara). Monocrops of cassava with and without NPK fertilizer were included as controls. The experiment was established using a randomized complete block design with four replications in a split-plot arrangement for three seasons. Cassava varieties intercropped with cowpeas, green gram, and groundnuts and cassava monocrops with and without NPK fertilizer constituted the main plot and sub-plots, respectively. Whitefly population counts and CMD severity and incidence were measured at regular intervals. Cropping system had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on whitefly populations and CMD severity. Small whitefly populations (0–7.5 individuals per leaf) and low CMD severity (1–2.4 on a 5-point scale) were recorded in improved and local cassava varieties intercropped with green gram. The local cassava variety intercropped with green gram showed low CMD incidences (0%–40%) in all seasons. Generally, growing cassava with green gram proved effective in reducing whitefly populations and CMD incidence and severity. Intercropping cassava with grain legumes may improve cassava production and food security in CMD-prone areas of the Lake Zone of Tanzania and areas with similar environments.     

Management of Meloidogyne incognita in yam-based cropping systems with cover crops

The effect of intercropping cover crops was with yam was assessed for nematode management both in pot and field conditions in Nigeria. The cover crops were sown with yams in pots containing sterile soil and inoculated with 5000 eggs of Meloidogyne incognita. In the field, each cover crop was separately intercropped with yams inoculated with 10,000 nematodes. From both pot and field experiments, no nematode damage was observed on yam tubers that were intercropped with Aeschynomene histrix, Crotolaria juncea, and Tagetes erecta. Damage in intercropped tubers was reduced by 72.7% with Mucuna pruriens, Centrosema pubescens, and Pueraria phaseoloides and by 58.3% with Stylosanthes guianensis compared to yams planted without cover crops; they also had lower (p ≤ 0.05) nematode populations. Cajanus cajan, Lablab purpureus and Vigna unguiculata however, supported high nematode populations and led to nematode damage in intercropped yams. Tubers from M. incognita-inoculated plants were more damaged and lost 42% more weight (p ≤ 0.05) following three months of storage than tubers from uninoculated plants. Intercropping yams with selected cover crops can be useful in managing M. incognita without reducing yam yields.     

High economic returns from companion and relay cropping of bread wheat and menthol mint in the winter–summer season in north Indian plains

A total of 17 cropping schedules for the winter (rabi)–summer (zaid) season of north Indian plains were compared for the yield and economics of produce per hectare of land. In comparison to wheat, the sucker-planted mint crop was estimated to bring in a 32% higher income. The co-cultivation of wheat with sucker-planted mint gave 15% more productivity over wheat alone and 70% over mint alone. The relay cropping of wheat followed by transplanted mint had the highest productivity, 45% higher than that of co-cultivated wheat and mint. The cultivar HD 2285 of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Himalaya/Kosi cultivars of mint (Mentha arvensis L.) were found to fit well in the co-cultivation and relay cropping schedules using wheat and mint crops. The results allowed recommendation of the following rotations for high yield together with resource conservation, permitting intensive agriculture by farmers with small holdings in Indo-Gangetic plains: (1) rice/greengram/blackgram, transplanted basil, wheat+mint, pigeonpea, chickpea, transplanted mint; and (2) pigeonpea, wheat, transplanted mint, rice, transplanted basil, wheat+mint.     

Efficient phosphorus application strategies for increased crop production in sub-Saharan West Africa

Comparable data are lacking from the range of environments found in sub-Saharan West Africa to draw more general conclusions about the relative merits of locally available rockphosphate (RockP) in alleviating phosphorus (P) constraints to crop growth. To fill this gap, a multi-factorial field experiment was conducted over 4 years at eight locations in Niger, Burkina Faso and Togo. These ranged in annual rainfall from 510 to 1300 mm. Crops grown were pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and maize (Zea mays L.) either continuously or in rotation with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp.) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Crops were subjected to six P fertiliser treatments comprising RockP and soluble P at different rates and combined with 0 and 60 kg N ha⁻¹. For legumes, time trend analyses showed P-induced total dry matter (TDM) increases between 28 and 72% only with groundnut. Similarly, rotation-induced raises in cereal TDM compared to cereal monoculture were only observed with groundnut. For cereals, at the same rate of application, RockP was comparable to single superphosphate (SSP) only at two millet sites with topsoil pH-KCl<4.2 and annual average rainfall>600 mm. Across the eight sites NPK placement at 0.4 g P per hill raised average cereal yields between 26 and 220%. This was confirmed in 119 on-farm trials revealing P placement as a promising strategy to overcome P deficiency as the regionally most growth limiting nutrient constraint to cereals.     

Density and relative frequency effects on competitive interactions and resource use in pea–barley intercrops

Intercropping advantages may be influenced by both plant density and relative frequency of the intercrop components. In a field study barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) were sole cropped and intercropped at three densities and with two relative frequencies when intercropped.Earlier seedling emergence gave barley an initial growth advantage, assessed using the relative efficiency index (REIc), whereas pea was in general more growth efficient once the initial growth phase had been passed. This reversal in relative growth efficiency along with the observation that early barley dominance did not appear to suppress pea growth indicates that differences in phenology played a role in shaping the prevailing dynamics. Whereas increases in plant density had a positive effect on the growth of pea, the growth of intercropped barley was severely limited by increases in density at the end of the growing period and more so in the pea dominated intercrop. At the final harvest land equivalent ratios (LER) of 0.9–1.2 express resource complementarity in almost all studied intercrops, complementarity that was not directly affected by changes in plant density or relative frequency.Intercropped pea did not increase its reliance on atmospheric nitrogen fixation compared to the pea sole crop. With respect to soil nitrogen uptake there were no effect of plant density but a strong effect of the relative frequency of pea in the intercrop, the greater the proportion the lower the uptake.Changes in the competitive strength of the pea and barley crop over the growing season had a marked effect on the proportion of pea in the final grain yields of the intercrops. At low and recommended density the proportions of pea and barley in the final grain yield was not markedly different from the expected proportions sown; however, at high density the suppression of barley strongly increased the proportion of pea in the final grain yield.Weed infestation levels decreased as density was raised and the suppressing effect of density was clearly stronger the greater the frequency of pea in the crop. Earlier germination and tillering ability of barley are seen as likely explanations of lower weed load in the barley dominated crop treatments.This study points at the potential of employing density and relative crop frequency as “regulators” when specific intercrop objectives such as increased competitiveness towards weeds or specific grain yield composition are wanted.     

Influence of crop rotation on selected chemical and physical soil properties in potato cropping systems

Crop yields are often increased through crop rotation. This study examined selected soil chemical and physical properties that may constitute the N and non-N related effects of crop rotation in potato cropping systems. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L. Norwis) was grown continuously and in two-year rotations with annual alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. Nitro), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), white lupin (Lupinus albus L. Ultra), and oat (Avena sativa Astro). Hairy vetch contributed more residue N than any other crop rotation, ranging from 110 to 119 kg N ha^?1. Inorganic N concentrations in potato soils were related to the previous crop’s residue N contents, and were highest following vetch and alfalfa and lowest following oat and potato. The highest mineralizable N concentration was found following vetch (46.6 mg N kg^?1). Saturated soil hydraulic conductivity in potato following all rotations ranged from 9.88 to 11.28 cm h^?1 compared to 5.71 cm h^?1 for continuous potato. Higher soil water contents were maintained in the 30 to 45 cm depth for all rotations compared to continuous potato. Thus several parameters indicate substantial N effects associated with particular crop rotations. Soil hydraulic conductivity and soil water status may also represent significant components of the rotation effect not directly related to N for these cropping systems.     

An economic analysis of potential rotation crops for Maine potato cropping systems

Potato cropping systems in Maine include both continuous potatoes and short-term potato rotations with small grains. Producers recognize the benefits of increased rotations, but the economics of producing a high-valued crop such as potatoes (Solanm tuberosum L.) create incentives for continuous potato production. Research at the USDA-ARS research site in Newport, ME, is evaluating the agronomic and economic impacts of five crops in two-year rotations on potato production and whole-farm profitability. The rotation crops are barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), sweet corn (Zea mays L.) green bean (Phaseolus vulgares L.), soybean (Glycine max L., Mer.), and canola (Brassica napus L.). Enterprise budgets for the five crops were developed. The budgets and historical prices and yields were used as inputs to a Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation was conducted to determine the impact of rotation crops on whole-farm profitability and income risk, as measured by income variability. The net incomes of the five rotation sequences were compared against continuous potatoes. Two rotation crops, sweet corn and green beans, resulted in an increase in net income relative to continuous potatoes. AU of the rotation crops were found to greatly reduce income risk and chance of economic losses. In the case of green beans and sweet corn, the analysis was rerun using data from the research trials on the following potato crop yields. Depending on whether the rotation effect was negative or positive, net income either fell or rose when compared to fist analysis. However, even when the rotation crop led to decreased yields in the following potato crop, income variability and likelihood of economic loss was still superior to the continuous potato rotation. These findings provide support for including rotation crops as a method to improve potato production and sustainability, increase wholefarm profitability, and reduce income risk.     

Pearl Millet Developed Deep Roots and Changed Water Sources by Competition with Intercropped Cowpea in the Semiarid Environment of Northern Namibia

abstract

The practice of intercropping pearl millet with cowpea is widespread among subsistence farmers in northern Namibia. In this region, the scarce and erratic rainfall may enhance competition for the limited soil water between intercropped plants. Trials were conducted on a field of the University of Namibia (on-station) and on a farmer’s field (off-station) to determine the effects of competition between pearl millet and cowpea on the water sources and plant growth of each crop. The deuterium analysis showed that pearl millet, intercropped with cowpea, significantly increased its dependence on the recently supplied labeled irrigation water. Intercropped cowpea also showed an increased trend of the dependence but it was not statistically significant. At the university field, intercropped pearl millet showed higher dependence on the irrigation water than monocropped pearl millet. At the farmer’s field, the dependence of intercropped pearl millet on the irrigation water was low in the pearl millet-dominant zone. In contrast, the dependence on the irrigation water was high in the cowpea-dominant zone, indicating that the dependence on the irrigation water changes according to the size of the pearl millet canopy. The water sources of cowpea did not show a significant difference at either pearl millet-dominant or cowpea-dominant zone, indicating a stable water uptake trend under competitive conditions. Competition with cowpea significantly increased the root-weight density of intercropped pearl millet in the deep soil layers, but decreased that in the shallow layers. The root-weight density of intercropped cowpea, however, was reduced in most of the soil layers. In conclusion, cowpea has a higher ability to acquire existing soil water, forcing pearl millet to develop deep roots and shift to the surface irrigation water.     

Management of plant residue for cassava (Manihot esculenta) production on an acid Ultisol in Southeastern Nigeria

A study consisting of two experiments was conducted in southeastern Nigeria during 1983 and 1984 to determine whether cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) production on sandy, acid Ultisols could be improved by residue management techniques. One experiment studied the effect of location of Eupatorium odoratum mulch on soil properties and crop growth. A second experiment studied the effect of tillage system and Eupatorium odoratum mulch on soil properties and crop growth. In both experiments mulch was applied at an annual rate of 12 t¹ ha⁻¹ (25% moisture content) in a split application at planting and 150 days after planting (DAP). No fertilizer was applied during the experiment.Concentration of mulch in the plant row resulted in values of within-row bulk density in the surface 0.10 m which were lower by 15% and 13% in 1983 and 1984, respectively. Tillage in combination with mulch reduced bulk density in the surface 0.10 m by an average of 10% and 9% in 1983 and 1984, respectively. No significant differences were found among other treatments. Soil chemical properties were unaffected by treatments in both experiments. Cassava tuber yield was unaffected by location of Eupatorium odoratum mulch. Both plowing and no-tillage when combined with mulch improved tuber yields. Cassava tuber yields of untilled plots were 16.8 and 12.7 t ha⁻¹ during 1983–1984, and 13.1 and 8.3 t ha⁻¹ during 1984–1985 in mulched and unmulched treatments, respectively. Tuber yields of tilled plots were 14.5 and 13.1 t ha⁻¹ during 1983–1984, and 11.3 and 6.9 t ha⁻¹ during 1984–1985 in mulched and unmulched treatments, respectively.     

Foliar insect pest management on cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walpers) in simulated varietal mixtures.: I. The suitability of partial insecticide applications

This research described in this paper examined the impact of varietal mixtures on pest management utilising a model system of partial insecticide applications. In six field experiments conducted in 1995 and 1996 in Igalaland, Kogi State, Nigeria varietal mixtures were simulated through the application of systemic insecticide (carbofuran or furathiocarb) to a pre-determined percentage of a cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) crop. The objective was to examine and compare the pest damage on untreated cowpea plants grown in plots in which varying percentages of the cowpea plants were treated with insecticide. A secondary objective was to determine whether action of the foliage pests influenced flower production. The results showed that the presence of insecticide-treated plants reduced the level of leaf damage by Ootheca mutabilis Sahlberg and the densities of Aphis craccivora Koch populations on untreated plants. The greater the percentage of insecticide-treated plants the greater this reduction on the untreated plants. Meanwhile, the number of flowers found on the untreated plants increased suggesting the foliage pest damage reduced flower production.     

The effect of leguminous cover crops and cowpea planted as border rows on maize ear borers with special reference to Mussidia nigrivenella Ragonot (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

In southern Benin, the use of cover crops to improve and maintain soil fertility is on the increase. The present study investigated the effect of two leguminous cover crops, Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC and Sesbania rostrata Brem. & Oberm., planted at different dates before maize (Zea mays (L.)), and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) planted as border rows on infestations of maize by the pyralid Mussidia nigrivenella Ragonot and of other cob-boring lepidopteran pests. In both trials, M. nigrivenella densities at harvest tended to be higher in the maize alone than the legume treatments, but the effect depended on the timing of planting of the cover crop in relation to that of maize. There were no discernible trends for other borers such as the noctuid Sesamia calamistis Hampson, the pyralid Eldana saccharina Walker, and the tortricid Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick. Furthermore, M. nigrivenella pest loads were considerably higher on C. ensiformis than maize, indicating that the presence of alternative host plant species in the vicinity of maize fields did not increase M. nigrivenella attack on maize. Though in some of the legume treatments, grain damage and grain losses were higher than in the maize alone plots, per area yields did not vary significantly.     

Interactive effects of Meloidogyne incognita race 2, Bradyrhizobium japonicum and crude extracts of Cucumis myriocarpus fruit on Vigna unguiculata

Crude extracts of wild cucumber (Cucumis myriocarpus) fruit, without information on their effects on nodulation, had been touted as having potential as a nematicide and a fertiliser in low-input cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) production systems. Interactive effects of the southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita), Bradyrhizobium japonicum and crude extracts of wild cucumber (C. myriocarpus) fruit on each other and growth of cowpea variety Eureka were investigated in a 23 factorial experiment. At harvest, 70 days after initiating the treatments, significant (P ≤ 0.05) first order interactions between any two of the three main factors on variables measured were observed, with interactive effects being either stimulatory or inhibitory. Crude extracts of C. myriocarpus fruit were basically suppressive on nematode numbers but stimulated nodulation and growth of cowpea. Consequently, the material is suitable for use in managing population densities of M. incognita on cowpea production in low-input cowpea production systems.     

Effect of cowpea/maize mixed cropping on the incident light at the cowpea canopy and flower thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) population density

The effect of mixed cropping of cowpeas with maize on light intensity in the cowpea canopy and on population density of Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom) was investigated in the field and in cages. Significantly less (P< 0 · 05) light was intercepted by the cowpea canopy in the cowpea/maize mixed crop than in the cowpea crop alone. The population density and activity of M. sjostedti were significantly less in the mixed crop than in the single crop. There were significant correlations between light interception and differences in the population density of nymphs (r=0 · 79), adults (r=0 · 84) and the overall activity (r=0 · 93) of M. sjostedti. In a screenhouse choice test, M. sjostedti preferred unshaded cowpea plants to shaded ones. The results suggested that reduced light intensity in the cowpea/maize mixture contributes to the relative scarcity of M. sjostedti in the mixture.     

Width of clover strips and wheat rows influence grain yield in winter wheat/white clover intercropping

Cereal–legume intercropping offers potential benefits in low-input cropping systems, where nutrient inputs, in particular nitrogen (N), are limited. In the present study, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) were intercropped by sowing the wheat into rototilled strips in an established stand of white clover.A field experiment was performed in two fields starting in two different years to explore the effects of width of the wheat rows and clover strips on the competition between the species and on wheat yields. The factors were intercropping (clover sole crop, wheat sole crop and wheat/clover intercropping), rototilled band width, sowing width and wheat density in a factorial experimental design that enabled some of the interactions between the factors to be estimated. The measurements included grain yield, ear density, grain weight, grain N concentration, dry matter and N in above-ground biomass of wheat, clover and weeds and profiles of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) within the crop canopy.Intercropping of winter wheat and clover resulted in wheat grain yield decreases of 10–25% compared with a wheat sole crop. The yield reductions were likely caused by interspecific competition for light and N during vegetative growth, and for soil water during grain filling. N uptake in the wheat intercrop increased during late season growth, resulting in only small differences in total N uptake between wheat intercrops and sole crops, but increased grain N concentrations in the intercrop. Interspecific competition during vegetative wheat growth was reduced by increasing width of the rototilled strips from 7 to 14 cm, resulting in higher grain yields and increased grain N uptake. Increasing the sowing width of the wheat crop from 3 to 6 cm increased interspecific interactions and reduced wheat intraspecific competition during the entire growing season, leading to improved grain yields and higher grain N uptake.     

Soil organic carbon sequestration as affected by tillage, crop residue, and nitrogen application in rice–wheat rotation system

Despite being a major domain of global food supply, rice?Cwheat cropping system is questioned for its contribution to carbon flux. Enhancing the organic carbon pool in this system is therefore necessary to reduce environmental degradation and maintain agricultural productivity. A field experiment (November 2002?CMarch 2006) evaluated the effects of soil management practices such as tillage, crop residue, and timing of nitrogen (N) application on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in the lowland of Chitwan Valley of Nepal. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were grown in rotation adding 12?Mg?ha^?1?y^?1 of field-dried residue. Mung-bean (Vigna radiata L.) was grown as a cover crop between the wheat and the rice. Timing of N application based on leaf color chart method was compared with recommended method of N application. At the end of the experiment SOC sequestration was quantified for five depths within 50?cm of soil profile. The difference in SOC sequestration between methods of N application was not apparent. However, soils sequestered significantly higher amount of SOC in the whole profile (0?C50?cm soil depth) with more pronounced effect seen at 0?C15?cm soil depth under no-tillage as compared with the SOC under conventional tillage. Crop residues added to no-tillage soils outperformed other treatment interactions. It is concluded that a rice?Cwheat system would serve as a greater sink of organic carbon with residue application under no-tillage system than with or without residue application when compared to the conventional tillage system in this condition.     

Agronomic performance of no-tillage relay intercropping with maize under smallholder conditions in Central Brazil

In the context of conservation agriculture on small scale farms of the Brazilian Cerrado, we hypothesized that planting a cover crop in relay with a commercial crop improves the efficiency of use of available natural resources, increasing biomass for use as fodder without reducing the grain yield of the main crop. The objective of this study was to measure the performance of two intercropped systems in terms of total above-ground biomass production and maize (Zea mays) grain yield: pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and Brachiaria (Brachiaria ruziziensis) sown as cover crops in established maize under a no-tillage management. The cover crops were sown at two different dates and a comparison was made with the three crops sown as a sole crop at the early sowing date. The experiment was conducted during the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 growing seasons. Maize grain yield was not reduced by the presence of the relay cover crops in comparison with maize as the sole crop, even when the cover crop was sown soon after maize emergence. In contrast, the production of above-ground biomass by the cover crop was significantly lower when grown with maize than it was when grown as a sole crop. In the intercropped systems, when sown early, the cover crop produced higher total biomass than when sown late. Total above-ground biomass production of maize intercropped with a cover crop was much higher than that of any of the crops sown alone: the total biomass (average of the two growing seasons) produced by maize and pigeon pea was more than double that of maize grown alone. The land equivalent ratio (LER) of maize grain yield and biomass production was higher than one whatever the intercropped system used. It was particularly high when maize was intercropped with early sown pigeon pea; grain yield LER and biomass LER reaching, respectively, 1.72 and 1.73 in 2007-2008 and 2.02 and 2.03 in 2008-2009. These high LER values provide evidence for the complementary and the high efficiency of use of available resources by the intercropped plants and thus the advantage of such systems to produce both maize grain and cover crop forage under the conditions of our study.