Evaluation of Water Use Efficiency in Intercropping of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), Cotton (Gossypium spp.) and fodder beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris L.) based on the traditional Pattern of planting in Khorasan

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• A Koocheki
• Mehdi Nassiri Mahalati
• Maryam Javadi
• Seyyed jalil Davarpanah

Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

10.22067/agry.2021.68427.1014

Abstract

Introduction
At present, farmers are facing problems of shrinking landholding size, degradation of natural resources, climatic vulnerabilities and low financial returns due to escalating cost of cultivation and inefficient utilization of agroinputs. Thus, production per unit area of land, time and inputs needs to be improved by efficiently capturing the solar energy and carbon dioxide for conversion into economic product. In recent years, there has been increased interest in agricultural production systems in order to achieve high productivity and promote sustainability over time. Intercropping as a common method in sustainable agricultural systems, plays an important role in increasing productivity and yield stability to improve utilization of resources. One of the most important benefits of intercropping is increasing production per unit area compared with sole cropping. The reason for increasing the yield in the intercropping is the better use of environmental factors such as water, nutrients and light. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of mixed and row intercropping on yield and yield component of sunflower, cotton and fodder beet.
Materials and Methods         
In order to study the effects of mixed and row intercropping of cotton, sunflower and fodder beet on yield and yield components in three species, a split-plot experiment based on randomized complete blocks design with three replicates was performed in research farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2017-2018. Cropping pattern (mixed or row intercropping) was allocated to the main plots and different planting ratios (50% Cotton +37.5% Sunflower +12.5% fodder beet, 50% Cotton +37.5% fodder beet +12.5% Sunflower, 33.3% Cotton +33.3% Sunflower +33.3% fodder beet, sole cropping of Cotton, sole cropping of Sunflower and sole cropping of fodder beet) were assigned to the sub-plots. Yield and yield component, indices such as Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) and Water Use Efficiency (WUE) were measured. For analyzing data, SAS ver.9.1 was used and mean comparison was performed based on Duncan test.
Results and Discussion
The results indicated that in intercropping of cotton, fodder beet and sunflower and in all plant ratios, the total LER was more than one. The highest LER was obtained in 50% cotton + 37.5% sunflower + 12.5% ​​fodder beet ratio and in both mixed and row intercropping patterns. The lowest LER was observed in ratio of 50% cotton + 37.5% fodder beet + 12.5% ​​sunflower and in mixed intercropping pattern. The highest amount of LER in cotton was obtained in ratio of 50% cotton + 37.5% fodder beet + 12.5% sunflower and in both methods of mixed and row intercroping and in ratio of 50% cotton + 37.5% sunflower + 12.5 % fodder beet was obtained in row intercroping pattern. In 33.3% cotton + 33.3% fodder beet + 33.3% sunflower ratio, cotton had the lowest partial LER in both mix and row intercroping patterns. Among different ratios of cotton planting, sole cropping with 0.32 kg / m3 had the highest and ratio of 33.3% cotton + 33.3% fodder beet + 33.3% sunflower, with 0.13 kg / m3, had the lowest water use efficiency.
 
Conclusions
Due to the different morphology, phenology and growth type of plants used in the present study, it seems that the intercropping of cotton-sunflower and fodder beet can increase the efficiency of using resources, especially water. So intercropping is one of the highly promising approaches for enhancing agricultural productivity and profitability that can provide sustainability in agricultural ecosystem. Intercropping  reduces  the  risk  of  crop  failure, improves  productivity  per  unit  area,  improves  profitability  and can  provide  a  pathway  to  food  security  in  vulnerable  production systems.
 
Acknowledgements
This research (Grant No. 47291), was funded by Vice Chancellor for Research of the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, which is hereby acknowledged.

Keywords

• Sustainability
• harvest index (HI)
• yield and yield components
• land equivalent ratio (LER)

Main Subjects

• Resource Use Efficiency in Agriculture

---

©2023 The author(s). This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source.

References

1. Aminifar, J., Ramroudi, M., Galavi, M., & Mohsenabadi, G.R. (2016). Assessment of cotton (Gossypium) productivity in rotation with intercropping of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). Iranian Journal of Crop Sciences, 18(2), 120-134. (In Persian with English Summary)
2. Barzali, M. (2012). Effects of intercropped cotton (Gossypium spp) with sorghum (Sorghum), soybean (Glycine max) and sesame (Sesamum indicum) on yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) growth and cotton yield. 5^th Iranian Weed Science Congress. 11-12 August 2012, p. 542-546. (In Persian with English Summary)
3. Bismillah Khan, M., Akhtar, M., & Abdul khaliqh, M. (2001). Effect of planting patterns and different intercropping systems on the productivity of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) under irrigated conditions of Faisalabad. International Journal of Agriculture & Biology, 4, 432–435.
4. Chao Dai, C., Chen, Y., Xing-Xiang, , & Pei-Dong, L. (2012). Effects of intercropping of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) with the medicinal plant Atractylodes lancea on soil micro ecology and peanut yield in subtropical China. Agroforestry System. Springer Science and Business Media, 87, 417-426. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-012-9563-z.
5. Chobforoosh khoee, B., Amini, R., Dabbagh Mohammadi nasab, A., & Raie, Y. (2019). Effect of soybean, badershbo and millet intercropping on growth traits and yield of sugar beet. Agricultural Knowledge and Sustainable Production, 30(2), 42-58. (In Persian with English Summary)
6. Dadmand, M., Koocheki, A., Nassiri Mahallati, M., & Ramezani Moghaddam, M.R. (2019). Evaluation the productivity of input in intercropping of cotton and maize. Ph.D. Dissertation, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. (In Persian with English Summary)
7. Dehghani, M., Aghaee, M.J, & Mohammadi kia, S. (2015). Effect of transplanting on yield and water use efficiency of cotton. Iranian Journal of Water Research in Agriculture, 28(2), 307-314. (In Persian). https://doi.org/22092/jwra.2014.100032.
8. Ghaderi, G.R., Gazanchian, A., & Yousefi, M. (2008). The forage production comparison of alfalfa and wheatgrass as affected by seeding rate on mixed and pure cropping. Iranian Journal of Range and Desert Research, 15(2), 256-268. (In Persian with English Summary)
9. Gholipour, M., & Sharifi, P. (2016). Yield and productivity indices of common bean and sunflower intercropping in different planting ratios. Crop Physiology Journal, 10(33), 129-137.
10. Hasan Zade Aval, F., Koochaki, A., Khazaei, H., & Nassiri Mahallati, M. (2011). Effect of density on agronomic characteristics and yield of savory and Iranian clover in intercropping. Iranian Journal of Field Crops Research 8(6), 920-929. (In Persian). https://doi.org/22067/GSC.V8I6.8038.
11. Hulugulle, N., & Lal, R. (1986). Soil water balance of intrtcropped maize and cowpea grown in tropical hydromorphic soil western nigeria. Agronomy Journal 75, 86-90. https://doi.org/2134/agronj1986.00021962007800010019x.
12. Iqbal, J., & Cheema, Z.A. (2007). Effect of allelopathic crops water extracts on glyphosate dose for weed control in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Allelopathy Journal 19, 403–410.
13. Jahani, M., Kochaki, A., & Nassiri Mohallati, M. (2008). Evaluation of different intercropping arrangements of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and lentils (Lens culinaris) in low-input agricultural systems. Iranian Journal of Crop Research, 6 (1), 67-78. (In Persian with English Summary). https://doi.org/22067/GSC.V6.l1.1177.
14. Kandhro, M.N., Tunio, S.D., Memon, H.R., & Ansari, M.A. (2007). Growth and yield of sunflower under influence of mungbean intercropping. Pakistan Journal. Agricultural Research, 23, 9-13.
15. Karimzade Asl, K., Mazaheri, D., & Peighambari, S.A. (2003). Effect of four irrigation intervals on the seed yield and quantitive characteristics of three sunflower cultivars. Iranian Journal of Agriculture Science, 34 (2), 293-301. (In Persian with English Summary)
16. Keating, B.A., & Carberry, P.S. (1993). Resource capture and use in intercropping: Solar radiation. Field Crops Research 34, 273–301.https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-4290(93)90118-7.
17. Khaki Najafabadi, A., Jahan, M., Koocheki, A., & Nassiri Mahallati, M. (2016). Effects of intercropping of common millet (Panicum miliaceum) cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) and biological fertilizer inoculation on water and nitrogen use efficiencies. Iranian Journal of Field Crops Research, 15(3), 691-708. (In Persian with English Summary). https://doi.org/10.22067/GSC.V1513.52944.
18. Khazaei, M. (2014). Investigation of intercropping of corn and sugar beet. Journal of Crops Improvement, 16(4), 987-997. (In Persian with English Summary). https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2015.53593.
19. Koocheki, A., Nassiri Mahallati, M., Hooshmand, M., & Khorramdel, S. (2020). Effect of different arrangements of intercropping for sunflower (Helianthus annus), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) on yield and yield components. Iranian Journal of Field Crops Research, 18(3), 251-266. (In Persian with English Summary). https://doi.org/10.22067/GSC.V18I3.76748.
20. Koocheki, A., Fallahpoor, F., & Amin Ghafori, A. (2013). Determining the best width of strip in row intercropping of sesame and linen and its effect on yield, yield components and weed density. Journal of Agroecology, 11(4), 1483-1496. (In Persian with English Summary). https://doi.org/22067/JAG.V11I4.29585.  
21. Koocheki, A., Nasiri Mahallati, M., Zarghani, H., & Norooziyan, A. (2017). Evaluation of yield and radiation use efficiency of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) in relay intercropping. Iranian Journal of Crops Research, 14(4), 539-557. (In Persian with English Summary). https://doi.org/10.22067/GSC.V14I4.51159.
22. Koocheki, A., Nassiri Mahallati, Moradi, R., & Alizade, Y. (2016). Effect of different levels of nitrogen on yield and nitrogen use efficiency in intercropping of corn and cotton. Iranian Journal of Field Crops Research, 13(1), 1-13. (In Persian with English Summary). https://doi.org/10.22067/GSC.V13I1.48310.
23. Koocheki, A., Zarghani, H., & Norooziyan, A. (2016). Comparison of yield and yield components of sunflower (Helianthus annuus), sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and red bean (Phaseolus calcaratus) under different intercropping arrangements. Iranian Journal of Field Crops Research 14(2), 226-243. (In Persian with English Summary). https://doi.org/10.22067/GSC.V14I2.51158.
24. Mannion, A.M. (1995). Biodiversity, biotechnology and business. Environmental Conservation, 22, 201-210.
25. Mead, R., & Willey, R.W. (1980). The concept of a land equivalent ratio and advantages in yields for intercropping. Experimental Agricalture, 16, 217–228. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0376892900010596
26. Ministry of Agriculture Available at Web site www.maj.ir/portal/Home/Default.aspx, (verifieded 2020/01/05).
27. Momen Keykha, M., Khammari, I., Dahmardeh, M., & Forouzandeh, M. (2018). Assessing yield and physiological aspects of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) intercropping under different levels of nitrogen. Agroecology, 9(4), 1050-1069. (In Persian with English Summary). https://doi.org/10.22067/JAG.V9I4.51084.
28. Moradi, P., Asghari, J., Mohsen Abadi, G.R., & Samiezadeh, H.A. (2015). The role of triple cultures in weed control and yield of pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo). Knowledge of Sustainable Agricultural Production, 24(4), 17-31. (In Persian with English Summary)
29. Morales, R.E.J., Escalante, E.J.A., Sosa, C.L., & Volke, H.V.H. (2009). Biomass, yield and land equivalent ratio of Helianthus annus L. in sole crop and intercropped with Phaseolus vulgaris L. in high valleys of Mexico. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 10, 431-439.
30. Mosavian, N., & Seyed Mohamadi, A. (2015). Effect of nitrogen and cultivation patterns on morphological traits and growth indices in mixed cultivation of maize and sunflower. Crop Physiology Journal, 7(26), 105-119. (In Persian with English Summary)
31. Najafi, N., Mostafaii, M., Ousting, S., & Dabagh-e- mohamadi Nasb, A. (2015). Effect of manure application and intercropping of corn, bean, and biter vetch on macronutrients content in maize shoot. 12^th Iranian Crop Sciences Congress. Karaj Brach, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran. (In Persian with English Summary)
32. Nakhzari Moghaddam, A., Dehghanpoor Incheboroon, O., & Rahemi Karizaki, A. (2016). The effect of nitrogen levels and different ratios of replacement intercropping series on forage yield and competition indices of barley and green pea. Electronical Journal of Crop Production, 1, 199-214. (In Persian with English Summary)
33. Nasrollah zadehAsl, A., & Talebi, M. (2017). Evaluation of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars by replacement method in khoy area. Plant Ecophysiology, 8(27), 204-215. (In Persian with English Summary)
34. Nielsen, H.H., Ambus, P., & Jensen, E.S. (2001). Interspecific competition N use and interference with weeds in pea-barly intercropping. Field Crops Research, 70(2), 101-109. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4290(01)00126-5.
35. Nurbakhsh, F., Koocheki, A. & Nassiri Mahallati, M. (2015). Evaluation of yield, yield components and different intercropping indices in mixed and row intercropping of sesame (Sesamum indicum) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Iranian Journal of Pulses Research, 6(2):73-86. (In Persian with English Summary). https://doi.org/10.22067/IJPR.V.1394I2.30942.
36. Olowea, V.I.O., & Adebimpeb, O.A. (2009). Intercropping sunflower with soyabeans enhances total crop productivity. Agriculture. Horticulture, 26, 365-377. https://doi.org/10.1080/014486.765.2009.9755095.
37. Poveda, K., & Kessler, A. (2012). New Synthesis: Plant volatiles as functional cues in intercropping systems. Journal of Chemical Ecology. Springer Science and Business Media New York, 38, 13-41. https://doi.org/10.1007/S10886-12-0203-x.
38. Raei, Y., Ghasemi, K., Javanshir, A., Alyari, H., Mohammadi, S.A., & Nasrolah zade, S. (2007). Assessment of soybean (Glycine max) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) intercropping by using reciprocal model of yield. Iranian Journal of Crop Science, 8(1), 1-13.
39. Rafei, A., Koocheki, A., Nassiri Mahallati, M., & Naseri, M.T. (2017). Evaluation of nitrogen water and radiation use efficiency and productivity in maize-bean -cotton row intercropping. Ph.D. Dissertation. Faculty of Agriculture. Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. (In Persian with English Summary)
40. Rahimi, M.M., Mazaheri, D., Khodabandeh, N., & Heydari SHarifabady, K.H. (2002). Effects of intercropping maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) on yield and yield components. Journal of Pajouhesh and Sazandegi, 51, 45-55. (In Persian with English Summary)
41. Ritchie, J.T., & Basso, B. (2007). Water use efficiency is not constant when crop water supply is adequate or fixed: the role of agronomic management. European Journal of Agronomy, 28(3): 273-281.https://doi.10.1016/j.eja.2007.08.003.
42. Roy, S.M., Barman, A.M., Puste, S.K., Gunri, M., & Jana, K. (2015). Growth, yield, water use efficiency and competitive functions of intercropping system of maize (Zea mays) and mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) as influenced by irrigation. SAARC. Journal of Agriculture, 13(2), 94-107. https://doi.10.3329/sja.v13i2.26571.
43. Singh, JK. (2007). Response of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris (Intercropping to different row ratios and nitrogen levels under rainfed conditions of temperate Indian Journal of Agronomy, 52, 36-39. https://doi.10.59797/ija.v52i1.4885.
44. Soltani, A., & Faraji, A. (2008). The relationship between water, soil and plants. Jahad Daneshgahi of Mashhad, Iran. pp, 189-201.
45. Tavassoly, A., Ghanbari, A., & Amiri, A. (2010). Calculation of water use efficiency on sole cropping and intercropping systems of millet and pea in Sistan area. 1^th Iranian Conference of Sustainable Agriculture and Healthy Crop Production. Isfahan Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center, Isfahan, Iran.
46. Tsubo, M., Walker, S., & Mukhala, E. (2005). Comparisions of radiation use efficiency of mono intercropping systems with different row orientation. Field Crops Research, 70, 17-29. https://doi.10.1016/s0378-4290(01)001432-3.
47. Vaziri, E., Dahmardeh, E., & Khammari, M. (2017). The effect of planting directions (North-South, East-West) on the ecophysiological characteristics of sunflower (Helianthus annus) in intercropping with local beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). M.Sc. Dissertation, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol Graduate School, Iran. (In Persian with English Summary)
48. Walker, S., & Ogindo, H.O. (2003). The water budget of rainfed maize and bean intercrop. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, 28, 919–926. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2003.08.018.
49. Xin, N.Q., & Tong, P.Y. (1986). Multiple cropping systems and its development orientation in China (a review). Science Agriculture Sinica, 4, 88–92
50. YiKai, Z., FanJun, C., Long, L., YanHua, C., BingRan, C., YuLing, Z., LiXing, Y., FuSuo, Z., & GuoHua, M. (2012). The role of maize root size in phosphorus uptake and productivity of maize/faba bean and maize/wheat intercropping systems. Science China. Life Sciences, 55(11), 993–1001. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11427-012-4396-6.
51. Zaefarian, F., & Bagheri Shirvan, M. (2014). Effect of intercropping different ratios on yield of soybean, sweet basil and borage. Journal of Crops Improvement, 16(1), 197-214. (In Persian with English Summary). https://doi.org/10.22059/jci.2014.51952
52. Zhang, F., & Li, L. (2003). Using competitive and facilitative interactions in intercropping systems enhances crop productivity and nutrientuse efficiency. Plant and Soil, 248, 305-312. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022352229863.
53. Zhang, F., & Li, L. (2007). Using competitive and facilitative interactions in intercropping systems enhances crop productivity and nutrient -use efficiency. Plant Soil, 248, 305-312.

• Zhang, L., van der Werf, W., Zhang, S., Li, B., & Spiertz, J. H. J. (2007). Growth, yield and quality of wheat and cotton in relay strip intercropping systems. Field Crops Research, 103(3), 178–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2007.06.002.