Intercropping of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and bean (Vicia faba): Effects of complementarity and competi-tion of intercrop components in resource con-sumption on dry matter production and weed growth

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and bean (Vicia faba L.) sole crops and their mixture in three planting pattern (M 1 : alternate-row intercrop, M 2 : within-row intercrop, M 3 : mixed intercrop) were used to investigate the amount of resource consumption in terms of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception, water and nutrient uptake. The experiment was carried out as randomized complete block design with four replications. The results show that intercropping systems had a significant effect on environmental resources consumption, where intercropping systems had more light interception and water, and nutrient uptake compared to sole crops, suggesting the complementarity effect of intercropping components in resources consumption. The ability of wheat and bean was different in intercropping systems in absorbing nutrients because of their differences in root morphology and cation exchange capacity. Regarding weed suppressions, intercrops were more effective than wheat sole crops, which were related to lower availability of environmental resources for weeds in intercropping systems.

Agronomic performance of naked oat (Avena nuda L.) and faba bean intercropping

“…Except for the first mixture (25 faba bean: 75 naked oat), a low value of LAI (2.60) compared to pure sowing was observed. Our results were supported by Eskandari (2011) and López-Bellido et al (2005), who claimed that the value of LAI is higher in a mixture characterized by higher plant density. The maximum LAI value was observed during the flowering stage, what is also supported by López-Bellido et al (2005).…”

Optimizing Traditional Cropping Systems Under Climate Change: A Case of Maize Landraces and Bambara Groundnut

“…The increase in ET o is consistent with the projected increase in minimum and maximum temperature and suggests an increase in crop water stress (Zhao et al, 2017). Then again, intercrop systems with cereals and legumes are advantageous as the cereal over-story can lower canopy temperature and minimize evaporative losses (Eskandari, 2011;Chimonyo et al, 2016b). The modification of microclimate within intercrop systems makes it an ideal system to mitigate against projected temperature and ET 0 increases.…”

Intercropping as a Strategy for Weed Management in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

“…In that study, Dhima et al [31] reported that alternate replacement intercropping achieved levels of reduction of corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.) of around 90%. As for other cereals, it was shown that a mixture of faba bean and wheat reduced weed biomass by 60% in alternate and mixed replacement intercropping [32]. Similarly, Boutagayout et al [33] found that an alternate intercrop of faba bean with wheat and oat decreased weed biomass by around 50%.…”