Weediness of a maize and soybean intercropping system

Abstract

The effect of the additive intercropping system, on weediness of maize and soybean was investigated on chernozem soil type in 2004 and 2005. Intercropping was done in alternate rows and in strips. Three maize hybrids of different FAO maturity groups (FAO 500, 600 and 700) were included into the trials. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different maize hybrids and spatial distribution intercrop patterns on the weediness of maize and soybean. The maize and soybean intercropping resulted in the decrease in parameters of weediness, especially in the number of perennial weed species and fresh biomass per area unit. The intercropping system in alternate rows expressed greater efficiency in weed control (number of species, number of plants per species and weed biomass) in comparison to the intercropping system in strips and maize monocrops. In soybean, intercropping systems were more advantageous than soybean monocrops.