Intercropping legumes with legumes and its effects on yield components

Abstract

The experimental trial was established in the experimental field of the IFVCNS, using completely randomized block design with three replications. The plot size was 5m2 and the seeding ratios was 50:50%. Pea +faba bean, pea + fenugreek and grass pea + white lupin were mixed together, and mechanically sown in rows at the same depth. A total of ten plants randomly chosen per plot in three replications were estimated for the yield components (the number of pods, number of seeds and seed weight per pod. The average number of pods (7.6/8.2), number of seeds (26.9/30.1) and seed weight (6g/7.2g) per pea plant in a mixture with faba bean and fenugreek was significantly higher than in sole crop, where the average number of pods was 5.2, number of seeds 19.2, and seed weight 4.7g. However, in the same mixture the average number of pods (12.3/13.8) and seeds (29.7/57.7) per faba bean and fenugreek plants were significantly higher than in intercrop. Moreover, the fenugreek had the significantly higher seed weight (0.9g) in mixtures than in a sole crop. The sole crops of grass pea and white lupin had the significantly higher number of pods (18.5/9.2), seeds (44.1/29) and seed weight (7.25/13.2) then in mixture.