Effect of fertilizer in controlling weeds under intercropping of pearl millet and red bean in Sistan region, Iran

Abstract

This experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Research Center of Zabol University during 2007 cropping season. The experimental design was split plot, using randomized complete block design with three replications. The factors included were, main factors: unfertilized (F₁), 100% fertilizer (F₂), 100% manure (F₃), 50% fertilizer + 50% manure (F₄) and five sub factors: sole crop of millet (I₁), 75% millet + 25% bean (I₂), 50% millet + 50% bean (I₃), 25% millet + 75% bean (I₄) and sole crop of bean (I₅). The plants were planted as replacement method. The results showed that the lowest dry matter for crops and total dry matter of weeds was achieved from 50% fertilizer + 50% manure treatment. Also, the highest total dry matter of millet and bean was obtained from this treatment. The highest dry matter of millet and bean was obtained from the sole crop of millet and bean. Further, the highest total dry matter of millet and bean was achieved from the intercropping treatments. The land equivalent ratio (LER) for most of the intercropping treatments was greater than one which indicated that intercropping had advantage over sole crop. Comparing the performance of sole crop and intercrop treatments, the results indicated that intercropping combinations were more advantageous in terms of weed control.

Key words: Intercropping, pearl millet, red bean, weeds, land equivalent ratio, yield.