Evaluation the benefits of different berseem clover cultivars and forage corn intercropping in different levels of nitrogen fertilizer.

摘要

In order to determine forage yield, land equivalent ratio (LER), relative total yield (RYT) and corn organic matter, a study was done at Research Farm, Islamic University, Khorasgan Branch (Esfahan). A factorial layout within randomized complete block design with 3 replications was used. Cultivars were Karaj, Sacromont and Multicut, and nitrogen levels were 0, 40 and 60 kg/ha. The nitrogen fertilizer was provided from urea source (46% pure N). The effect of cultivar was significant on total corn fresh and dry yield, R of clover (yield of clover in intercropping/yield of clover in single cropping), RYT and LER. Total clover fresh yield, total corn fresh yield, R of clover, RYT and LER was significantly influenced by nitrogen fertilizer. Cultivar and nitrogen interaction had significant effect on total corn fresh and dry yield, R of clover, RYT and LER. The highest total fresh and dry yield of corn yield was obtained in forage corn intercropped by Sacromont and Multicut, respectively. These two parameter significantly increased from application of N 0 to 60 kg/ha. In all intercropping treatments, land equivalent ratios (LER) were well above 1, indicating yield advantages for intercropping. The highest LER and RYT in intercropping of forage corn was observed in Sacromont. There were no significant differences in corn organic matter between cultivar treatments and nitrogen treatments. In central of Iran and on the basis of low input farming system, cultivation of berseem clover cultivar intercropped by forage corn can be introduced to development of sustainable food production systems.