Experimental dimensions and precision in trials with millet and showy rattlebox

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal plot size to evaluate the mass of fresh matter in millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) and showy rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis Roth.), in scenarios formed by combinations of treatment numbers, repetitions numbers, and levels of experimental precision. Fifteen uniformity trials with millet and showy rattlebox, in single or intercropping, were carried out. The mass of fresh matter was evaluated in 540 basic experimental units (BEU) of 1 × 1 m (15 trials × 36 BEU per trial). The heterogeneity index of Smith (1938) was estimated. The plot size was determined by the method of Hatheway (1961) in scenarios formed by combinations of i treatments (