Studies on mixtures of maize and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) with particular reference to plant population

Abstract

Two experiments are described in which the possible yield benefits of mixing maize and beans were examined under intensive farming conditions. A 'replacement series' of pure maize, two-thirds maize/one-third beans, one-third maize/two-thirds beans and pure beans was used at four plant populations. A high level of nitrogen was applied on the maize to eliminate the effects of nitrogen transfer from the beans.Yields of the mixtures were up to 38 % higher than could be achieved by growing the crops separately. It is concluded that this occurred because the mixtures achieved a greater utilization of environmental resources; it is suggested that, because of the marked height differences of the two crops, an increased utilization of light was probably a major contributing factor. The need for high populations in mixtures is indicated, partly because the largest yield increases were achieved at high populations and partly because the mixtures required a higher population pressure to produce their maximum yield.The maize was found to have the higher relative competitive ability, and this increased with increase in plant population pressure. It is suggested that this was probably due to the shading effect which the maize had on the beans. The effects of a change in relative competitive abilities, or in relative selling prices, on the optimum proportion of two species in a mixture are also considered.

Ecological principles underlying the increase of productivity achieved by cereal-grain legume intercrops in organic farming. A review

“…Intercropping has also been shown to: (i) improve soil conservation (Anil et al 1998), (ii) favour weed control (Banik et al 2006;Corre-Hellou et al 2011), (iii) reduce pests and diseases (Trenbath 1993;Altieri 1999;Hauggaard-Nielsen et al 2007;Corre-Hellou and Crozat 2005;Ratnadass et al 2012) and (iv) provide better lodging resistance (Anil et al 1998). Hauggaard-Nielsen et al (2007);(2001a, 2001b; Knudsen et al (2004) and Naudin et al (2009) HW durum wheat, SW soft wheat, B barley, F faba bean, P pea, NO no N-fertilization N organic N-fertilization Willey and Osiru (1972):…”

Evaluation of Yield and Competition Indices for Intercropped Eight Maize Varieties, Soybean and Cowpea in the Zone of Savanna of South-West RD Congo

“…The advantage of intercropping and the effect of competition between the two species used in a mixture were calculated using different competition indices. The land equivalent ratio (LER) was used as the criterion for mixed stand advantage as both vetch and cereal were desired species [31]. In particular, LER indicates the efficiency of intercropping for using the resources of the environment compared with monocropping [32].…”

Determination of Effective Spatial Arrangement for Intercropping of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Using Competition Indices Ethiopia

“…It is an indicator of complementarity. The LER was calculated as [16]. The interpretation of ATER involves that ATER>1 implies yield advantage;…”