Evaluation of the Effects of Intercropping Systems on Yield Performance, Land Equivalent Ratio, and Weed Control Efficiency

摘要

In recent years, there has been increased interest in agricultural production systems in order to achieve high productivity and promote sustainability over time. Hence, an experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of intercropping systems on total yield, land equivalent ratio, and weed control efficiency (WCE). Pure standing of chickpea and barley, and intercropping systems of 100:25, 100:50, 100:75, 100:100, 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25 (chickpea:barley) were studied as randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that weed density and biomass, grain yield, and index of WCE were affected significantly by intercropping systems. In comparison with control (sole cropping of chickpea with full infested), intercropping could decrease total weed density and biomass up to 66 and 90 %, respectively. The highest (89.9 %) and the lowest (49.2 %) values for WCE were achieved at 100:100 and 75:25 treatments, respectively. Moreover, in all treatments, LER was >1 whichshows that intercropping has advantages. The highest value of LER (2.36) was achieved at 100:100 treatment. In general, chickpea-barley intercropping can suppress weeds and increase land-use efficiency.