Growth analysis and land equivalent ratio of fenugreek-buckwheat intercrops at different fertilizer types

Abstract

Summary Intercropping can increase crop growth and yield due to improved resource use efficiency. A two-year field experiment was performed in Shahrekord (Iran) to determine the effect of crop stand composition and fertilizer type on the productions of aboveground dry matter and growth parameters of fenugreek-buckwheat intercrops. Sole crops of fenugreek (F) and buckwheat (B) were compared to the three substitutive intercropping ratios (F:B = 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2). Crop stands were fertilized with chemical fertilizer or broiler litter. Fenugreek could produce in intercrops a similar amount of above-ground dry matter compared to its corresponding share on the sowing ratio. Contrary to that, buckwheat could produce in intercrops more above-ground dry matter than its share on the sowing ratio, especially with a low to medium share of buckwheat. Consequently, the intercrops with F:B (2:1) and F:B (1:1) had an above-ground dry matter yield advantage compared to the pure crop stands of both crops. Broiler litter was more effective in increasing the growth rates and thus the above-ground dry matter production compared to the chemical fertilizer. Thus, growing fenugreek and buckwheat in intercrops fertilized with broiler litter can be beneficial for increasing the biomass production in semiarid environments.

Tree nutrition and productivity changes in mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) based agrisilvicultural system in humid tropical India

“…The intercrops absorbed a reasonable share of the fertilizers applied to the mahogany trees which is well re ected on the growth of intercrops. Such complementary nutrient sharing has been reported for may agroforestry systems (Salehi et al 2018;Swieter et al 2021). In general, N is a vital role of plant protoplasm and cell division ultimately for plant growth (Sopher and Baird 1982), P helps to produce healthy reproductive parts and roots formation and K involved in enzyme activities including stomata opening, nitrogen metabolism and translocation of carbohydrates (Kramer and Kozlowski 1979).…”

Agronomic and productivity efficiency of two animal manure sources on intercropped maize-groundnut in the derived savannah

“…Maize / groundnut intercrop applied with sheep / goat manure exhibited higher agronomic efficiency relative to swine manure application, especially under CS than PN. The higher LERs recorded in intercropping suggested according to Hauggaard-Nielsen et al (2001) on pea / barley, Takim (2012) on maize / cowpea, Mbah and Ogbodo (2013) on sweet corn / vegetable cowpea as well as Salehi et al (2018) on fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) / buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) intercrops that crops grown in mixes do not compete for the same resource niche hence are more efficient in their use of growth resources, which translates to a positive biological productivity.…”

Energy Efficiency of Oat:Pea Intercrops Affected by Sowing Ratio and Nitrogen Fertilization

“…For example, the intercropping of fenugreek and buckwheat resulted, compared to their corresponding sole crops, in a higher biomass and seed yield, mainly to the better performance of buckwheat in intercrops, in higher nitrogen (N) plant concentrations and uptake, as well as in increased applied N use efficiency and applied N recovery efficiency. Yields and nutrient uptake were more enhanced by broiler litter compared to chemical fertilization [2,3]. The intercropping of pea with linseed could improve the root length density and root dry matter of pea [4].…”