Effect of Intercropping on Yields of Corn with Different Relative Maturities and Palisadegrass

Abstract

Intercropping corn (Zea mays L.) with palisadegrass [Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich) Stapf] can result in high amounts of residue and improve nutrient cycling. Long‐season corn hybrids will live longer, competing with palisadegrass, which may reduce both corn and forage biomass yields. This study, conducted in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, had the objective of evaluating nutrient concentration and yield of corn hybrids with different maturity ratings as affected by intercropped palisadegrass as well as forage dry matter production. The experimental design was randomized blocks with a factorial arrangement of eight treatments consisting of two cropping systems (corn alone and intercropped with palisadegrass) and four corn hybrids (105‐, 121‐, 132, and 144‐d relative maturity). Compared with corn grown alone, intercropping treatments resulted in corn grain yields of 107% (105‐d hybrid) to 71.7% (144‐d hybrid). In the corn‐alone system, the 132‐ and 144‐d corn hybrids provided the highest corn yields (9581 and 9606 kg ha−1, respectively). Corn yield was similar between the single‐crop and intercrop systems when using 105‐, 121‐, and 132‐d hybrids. Intercropping with the 144‐d hybrid reduced forage production (6619 kg ha−1) and quality of palisadegrass (86 g kg−1 of crude protein) compared with the other hybrids. The intercropping system with the 132‐d hybrid allowed both the highest corn grain (8860 kg ha−1) and palisadegrass (8256 kg ha−1) yields. Therefore, intercropping palisadegrass with the earlier (105‐, 121‐, and 132‐d) corn hybrids is a viable option for crop–livestock integration because it did not affect either corn or palisadegrass yield.

Yield and nutritive value of the silage of corn intercropped with tropical perennial grasses

“…This may be explained by the fact that corn is considered a strong competitor with smaller plants, such as palisade and guinea grasses (Crusciol et al, 2010). Other studies have also shown the effects of low competition in intercropping systems (Leonel et al, 2009;Costa et al, 2012;Borghi et al, 2013;Crusciol et al, 2013).…”

“…Satisfactory results have been obtained by using intercropped crops and ICLS under NTS (Bell & Moore, 2012;Costa et al 2012;Crusciol et al, 2013). The practice of combining intercropped crops under NTS is one of the best alternatives for maintaining sustainability in tropical agricultural systems and can result in higher revenues for farmers, due to their productive, economic, and environmental benefits (Costa et al, 2015a(Costa et al, , 2015bCrusciol et al, 2016).…”

Effects of nitrogen fertilization on yield components in a corn-palisadegrass intercropping system

“…With this technique, it is possible to achieve greater production of vegetal biomass to cover the soil Ceccon et al, 2013;Crusciol et al, 2013), and it also allows the establishment of pastures for livestock Fisher et al, 2012;Borghi et al, 2013). This technique can provide many benefits for the soil-plant system, such as reducing soil loss by erosion (Montenegro et al, 2013;Lima et al, 2014), a reduction in the occurrence of weeds (Amossé et al, 2013;Scopel et al, 2013) and the maintenance of a vegetated area, allowing for greater nutrient cycling and the reduction of nutrient loss in the off-season (Fraser et al, 2013;Hashemi et al, 2013).…”

Épocas de aplicação de nitrogênio em feijoeiro cultivado após milho solteiro ou consorciado com braquiária

“…bras., Brasília, v.48, n.10, p.1351-1359, out. 2013 DOI: 10.1590/S0100-204X2013001000006 com produção de forragem no período de menor disponibilidade e palhada para o SPD na safra seguinte (Borghi & Crusciol, 2007;Borghi et al, 2013;Crusciol et al, 2013). Nesse sistema, o milho consorciado com braquiária, principalmente a espécie Urochloa brizantha (Syn.…”