Page 5 August, 2019 SARDA News
Peas and Lentils Intercrops with Faba beans and Chickpeas 2015-2017 Background:
I
ntercropping generally refers to growing two or more crops in the same field at the same time, and can have many benefits like out-yielding a sole crop of the component crops on the same total land area. The literature review shows considerable research information on intercropping legumes with non-legumes. But there is no research information on the performance of intercropping legumes only. Intercropping of legumes only allows aiming for improved yield potential without N fertilizer, which is an issue when legumes are intercropped with non-legume crops.
Peas and lentils tend to lodge near maturity, which results in increased disease levels, difficulties during harvest and seed losses leading to reduced seed yield and quality. Faba beans and chickpeas are more resistant to lodging, and their intercropping with peas and lentils may reduce lodging, minimize harvest ability issues, and increase production. Objectives of the study were to assess harvest- ability and production when peas and lentils (main crops) were intercropped with faba beans and chickpeas.
Methodology:
The four intercrop combinations were lentil+faba beans, lentils+chickpeas, peas+faba beans and peas+ chickpeas. Sole crops were also grown. The seed rate was 100% of the recommended for sole crops. In intercrops, seed rates were 100% or 75% for lentils and peas, and 75% or 50% for faba beans and chickpeas. A Fabro plot seeder equipped with dual knife Seedmaster openers was used, with shallower openers for smaller seeds (lentils and peas) and deeper openers for larger seeds (faba beans and chickpeas). All plots received recommended rates of fertilization and inoculums. For each crop in intercrops, land equivalency ratio (LER) was calculated from ratios of yield from intercrop to sole crop, as below.
LER = (Intercrop1/Sole Crop1) + (Intercrop2/Sole Crop2) The total LER value was calculated as sum of the LERs for 2 crops in intercrops.
Results:
Chickpeas and Peas
Emergence in intercrops was nearly similar to the seed rates (100% or 75%) for lentils and peas, while it was similar or lower than the used seed
