Evaluation of Quality and Quantity of Corn and Soybean Grain Yield In Intercropping under Deficit Irrigation

Abstract

This experiment been conducted in the Zanjan University’s pilot farm in order to evaluate the yield and yield components of corn and soybean intercropping in deficit irrigation condition. The farm was prepared as split plots in complete randomized blocks with three iteration regimens. Different irrigation intervals were used in the main plots at three level of every seven day (control), every nine day, and every elven day interval; the cropping pattern was as follow: secondary plots for corn and soya monoculture, while the main plots were used for additive intercropping (100% corn plus 20% soy), replacement intercropping with 2:2 ratio (50% corn plus 50% soy). The greatest corn yield was obtained from every nine day irrigation interval after control group. Moreover, the corn yield was higher in intercropping than monoculture crops. The soybean seeds have not been affected by different irrigation interval and the best yield was obtained from monoculture of soy, while it has not any significant differences with intercropping yield. Intercropping shown superiority on monoculture in this experiment and every nine day irrigation interval was the best deficit irrigation method for grain yield in the intercropping.

Keywords: cropping pattern, grain yield, intercropping, deficit irrigation, Zanjan