Trade-Off between Energy Wood and Grain Production in Temperate Alley-Cropping Systems: An Empirical and Simulation-Based Derivation of Land Equivalent Ratio

Agriculture ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana-Maria Seserman ◽  
Dirk Freese ◽  
Anita Swieter ◽  
Maren Langhof ◽  
Maik Veste
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Alley Cropping ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Land Area ◽  
Land Equivalent Ratio ◽  
Equivalent Ratio ◽  
Land Use Efficiency ◽  
Gross Energy ◽  
Use Efficiency

The alley-cropping systems (ACSs), which integrate parallel tree strips at varying distances on an agricultural field can result, complementarity of resource use, in an increased land-use efficiency. Practitioners’ concerns have been directed towards the productivity of such systems given a reduced area covered by agricultural crops. The land equivalent ratio (LER) serves as a valuable productivity indicator of yield performance and land-use efficiency in ACSs, as it compares the yields achieved in monocultures to those from ACSs. Consequently, the objective of this combined experimental and simulation study was to assess the tree- and crop-yields and to derive the LER and gross energy yield for two temperate ACSs in Germany under different design scenarios, i.e., tree arrangements (lee- or wind-ward) and ratios of tree area to crop area. Both LER and gross energy yields resulted in a convex curve where the maximum values were achieved when either the tree or crop component was dominant (>75% of the land area) and minimum when these components shared similar proportions of land area. The implications of several design scenarios have been discussed in order to improve the decision-making, optimization, and adaptation of the design of ACSs with respect to site-specific characteristics.

scholarly journals Alley Cropping Increases Land Use Efficiency and Economic Profitability Across the Combination Cultivation Period

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huasen Xu ◽  
Huaxing Bi ◽  
Lubo Gao ◽  
Lei Yun
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Alley Cropping ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Land Use Efficiency ◽  
Term Experiment ◽  
Long Term Experiment ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Short Term Experiment

Alley cropping allows the famer to effectively use available resources and yield more benefits. Choosing suitable associated crop and mitigating the competition between trees and crops are crucial for designing the alley cropping systems. We conducted a long-term experiment, including apple (Malus pumila)/peanut (Arachis hypogaea), apple/millet (Setaria italica) and apple/maize (Zea mays) alley cropping systems with conventional intercropping distance, and corresponding monocultures (Exp.1), and a short-term experiment with improved intercropping distance in the same three combinations (Exp.2) in the Loess Plateau, China. The results showed crop yields in three alley cropping systems were lower than the corresponding monocultures. Apple yields were significantly constrained by millet and maize in the alley cropping systems, but not sensitive to the presence of peanut. Land equivalent ratios (LERs) ranged from 0.44 to 0.89 before the tree bore fruit. The LERs were greater than 1.0 after the tree bore fruit, and the apple trees made a decisive contribution to the land use advantage. Net present values of three alley cropping systems were on average 60.1% higher than the corresponding monocultures across the alley cropping period. The maximum annual present value in the first–fifth, sixth and seventh–ninth years after the alley cropping establishment was observed in the apple/maize, apple/millet and apple/peanut system, respectively. These results highlight that choosing the optimal alley cropping management and suitable associated crops at different years after establishment may allow farmers to increase the land use efficiency and economic profitability.

scholarly journals INTERCROPPING OF SOUTHERNPEAS AND CORN

HortScience ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 489d-489
Author(s):  
E. G. Rhoden ◽  
P. Jere ◽  
P. K. Biswas
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Yield ◽  
Land Equivalent Ratio ◽  
Single Row ◽  
Equivalent Ratio ◽  
Land Use Efficiency ◽  
Competition For Light ◽  
Use Efficiency

Intercropping increases land use efficiency and provide prolonged yields between compatible crops. A study was conducted to evaluate the yield advantage of intercropping southernpeas (Vigna unguiculata) with corn (Zea mays) in addition to determining the yield advantage of corn, `Yellow Trucker', and two southernpeas cultivars; `Mississippi Silver' and `Pinkeye Purolehull', in an intercrop. Cropping method significantly affected the yield of corn but not southernpeas. Cropping method also influenced leaf area, dry matter and plant height of both southernpeas cultivars. Corn had higher yields in alternate-single row (45×30 cm) with southernpeas intercrop than within (90×15 cm) or alternate row (90×15). Competition for light and nutrients may have accounted for the reduction in dry matter and leaf area of southernpeas in intercrop. The average yield advantage, as measured by the land equivalent ratio, ranged between 1.39 and 1.70. When area time equivalent ratio was used to measure the yield advantage, the range was 1.2 to 1.45. `Pinkeye Purplehull' is more compatible with corn in intercropping than `Mississippi Silver'.

scholarly journals Maize and Potato Intercropping: A Technology to Increase Productivity and Profitability in Tigray

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beyenesh Z. Kidane ◽  
Mereseit H. Hailu ◽  
Haile T. Haile
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Land Equivalent Ratio ◽  
Land Use Efficiency ◽  
Sole Crop ◽  
Cropping Season ◽  
Sole Cropping ◽  
Increase Productivity ◽  
Use Efficiency

AbstractSmallholders have limited landholding in the highlands of Tigray and therefore there is a critical need to improve land use efficiency (LUE). One way to improve the LUE is through intercropping of companion crops including maize and potato. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the intercropping ratio as a means to improve land use efficiency during the 2012 cropping season. The treatments tested were three intercropping ratios of maize: potato in 1:1, 1:2, 2:1 row arrangement compared against the maize and potato only cropping. The objective of the study was to identify the best intercropping ratio that maximizes land use efficiency. Land equivalent ratio (LER) was used to compare the land use efficiency of the intercrops with each sole crop. The total yield of intercropped crops were greater than sole cropping, shown by LER>1. The overall advantage of intercropping ranged from 35 to 58%. The highest land equivalent value of 58% was recorded for one maize and two potato rows arrangements indicated a yield advantage of 58% over sole crop. The partial land equivalent value of both crops in intercropping was less than one indicating the cohesiveness of both crops in intercropping. Thus, it can be concluded that 1maize: 2 potato intercropping is a viable agronomic option in increasing land use efficiency and increased food security. It is, therefore, imperative to demonstrate the best treatment under farmer’s condition.

scholarly journals Maximizing Land Use Efficiency and Productivity of Soybean and Fodder Maize Intercrops through Manipulating Sowing Schedule and Maize Harvest Regime

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 863
Author(s):  
Heba S. A. Salama ◽  
Mahmoud H. Abdel-Moneim
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
Equivalent Ratio ◽  
Land Use Efficiency ◽  
Green Fodder ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Silage Production ◽  
Efficiency And Productivity

The incorporation of both food and forage crops in an intercropping system is receiving increasing attention, especially in developing countries with increasing populations and limited resources. In a two-year (2019–2020) field trial, conducted in Northern Egypt, productivity of soybean and fodder maize, as well as the quality of maize herbage, were investigated under three sowing schedules; soybean and maize sown together, and maize sown 15 and 30 days after soybean, in addition to soybean and fodder maize sown in pure stands, with maize harvested at green fodder maturity (GFM), and silage maturity (SM). Harvesting fodder maize at SM resulted in higher herbage yield than harvesting it at GFM, yet it negatively affected the soybean productivity. However, this negative impact was offset when fodder maize sowing was delayed 30 days after soybean sowing. Maize harvested at GFM was characterized by a higher leaf component, which was reflected in its higher crude protein content, yet the decline in quality with advanced maturity was to a great extent, counterbalanced by the presence of high-quality ears in maize harvested at SM. This was clear in its lower fiber and higher non-fiber carbohydrate contents. Land equivalent ratio (LER) demonstrated yield advantage with the delayed sowing of fodder maize (LER > 1), while the dry matter equivalent ratio (DMER) associated the yield advantage with the late harvesting of fodder maize at SM (DMER > 1), across all sowing schedules, which was more realistic for an additive intercropping model where the dry matter is the economic component. In a soybean-fodder maize intercropping system, whether fodder maize will be cultivated for green feeding or for silage production, it is recommended that sowing is delayed until 30 days after the soybean, in order to maximize yield advantage and land use efficiency.

scholarly journals Seasonality on Transplanting Monocropped Lettuce and Intercropping With Staked Summer Squash

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 316
Author(s):  
Leonardo Diogo Ehle Dias ◽  
Jucimar Ferreira Neves ◽  
Leandro Batista Da Silva ◽  
Franciely Da Silva Ponce ◽  
Oscar Mitsuo Yamashita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Lactuca Sativa ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cucurbita Moschata ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Land Use Efficiency ◽  
Summer Squash ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Crop System

Lettuce and summer squash are two important vegetables cultivated in peri-urban areas the cities in Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Their intercropping can increase the efficiency of the use of the area and the seasonality of harvest. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and summer squash (Cucurbita moschata) in a conventional crop system and intercropped with different lettuce transplant period. These being the result of mono-cropping systems and intercropped lettuce with staked summer squash in six transplanting seasons of the lettuce and the monocropping of the trailing summer squash. The simultaneous transplantation of the two species provided the best performance of the lettuce. Summer squash production per plant did not differ between cropping systems; however, increased productivity was obtained with intercropping due to the higher density of plants. All the periods of inter-cropping establishment showed positive rates of land-use efficiency. For the summer squash production, intercropping systems provide better yield; however, the system hampers the development and production of lettuce.

scholarly journals Weeds Spectrum, Productivity and Land-Use Efficiency in Maize-Gram Intercropping Systems under Semi-Arid Environment

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1615
Author(s):  
Rana Nadeem Abbas ◽  
Muhammad Awais Arshad ◽  
Asif Iqbal ◽  
Muhammad Aamir Iqbal ◽  
Muhammad Imran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Green Gram ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Land Equivalent Ratio ◽  
Land Use Efficiency ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Semi Arid

To ensure food security on sustainable basis, reducing weeds interference and boosting land use efficiency are critical. A field study was conducted at research farm of University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, to sort out the most productive maize-gram intercropping system under semi-arid environment. Treatments included sole maize in single row (60 cm apart) (T1) and double rows (90 cm apart) (T2) strips, sole black (T3) and green gram (T4) crops, six single rows (60 cm apart) of maize with twelve double rows (20 cm) of black (T5) and green gram (T6), three double rows (90 cm apart) of maize with three sets of quadratic rows (20 cm apart) of black (T7) and green gram (T8). The experiment was executed in regular arrangement of randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that T1 produced the highest grain yield (6.97 t ha−1) of maize and significantly lower weeds infestation compared to wider row spacing (T2). Among intercropping systems, T8 significantly decreased weeds density (16.33 plants m−2) and their fresh (20.93 g m−2) and dry weights (5.63 g m−2), while the maximum land use efficiency as indicated by unmatched land equivalent ratio and intercropping advantage were recorded by T7 and T8. Interestingly, green gram in intercropping recorded over 58% higher productivity than black gram. We conclude that maize-green gram intercropping hold potential to impart sustainability to maize production by reducing weeds infestation (431% lower than sole maize) and could be a viable option for smallholder farmers in semi-arid environment.

Effects of nitrogen supply and spatial arrangement on the grain yield of a maize/soybean intercrop in a humid subtropical climate

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alain Clément ◽  
François-P. Chalifour ◽  
Ghislain Gendron ◽  
Maheshwar P. Bharati
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilization ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Spatial Arrangement ◽  
Pure Stand ◽  
Subtropical Climate ◽  
Land Use Efficiency ◽  
Glycine Max L ◽  
Use Efficiency

Cereal/legume intercropping is a common practice in low-input agricultural systems. Under appropriate conditions, it usually results in higher overall productivity as compared with pure stands. Appraisal of agronomic practices is of particular importance, since component crops sometimes differ considerably in their structure and fertilization needs. An experiment was conducted under the subtropical conditions of Southern Nepal, in the Terai belt, in 1988 and 1989. Maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) received 0, 35 or 70 kg N ha−1 when grown either in pure stands or when intercropped in two spatial arrangements differing in spatial intimacy. Nitrogen fertilization resulted in similar grain yield increases for maize either in pure stands or in intercropping with soybean, indicating that the availability of nitrogen for the cereal was comparable in both cropping systems. Soybean yields were 22% lower in the presence of maize, as compared with a pure stand. The overall productivity of intercropping, as assessed by ATER (area-time equivalent ratio), was significantly higher than that of pure stands in 1988 and 1989. Land-use efficiency was higher when maize was intercropped with nodulating soybean, as compared to non-nodulating soybean, but only at 0 and 35 kg N ha−1.Key words: ATER, land-use efficiency, non-nodulating soybean isoline, nitrogen fertilization, spatial arrangement, interactions

scholarly journals Growth, water use and efficiency of forage cactus sorghum intercropping under different water depths

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucivania R. Lima ◽  
Thieres G. F. da Silva ◽  
Alexandre M. da R. F. Jardim ◽  
Carlos A. A. de Souza ◽  
Maria G. de Queiroz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Reference Evapotranspiration ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Soil Water Balance ◽  
Crop Evapotranspiration ◽  
Land Use Efficiency ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Depths

ABSTRACT The effects of the forage cactus sorghum configuration and different irrigation depths on the growth, water use and efficiency of the forage cactus production system were investigated in this study. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Serra Talhada, Pernambuco State, Brazil, between the years 2012 and 2013. Forage cactus was distributed in randomized blocks with factorial scheme and four replicates, in split plots (5 x 2), with five irrigation depths (0, 8.75, 17.5, 26.25 and 35% of the reference evapotranspiration, ET0) and two cropping systems (forage cactus monocropping and forage cactus sorghum intercropping). Crop evapotranspiration was calculated through soil water balance. The ratio between crop and reference evapotranspiration, and land use and water use efficiencies, were estimated. Irrigation depths and the intercropping affected only forage cactus canopy width and cladode biomass. The ratio between crop and reference evapotranspiration increased with the increase of irrigation depths, while the highest water use efficiency based on dry matter occurred at irrigation depths higher than 1,096 mm year-1 in the intercropping (21.8 ± 6.8 kg ha-1 mm-1). Irrigation depths did not affect land use efficiency (0.83). Water depths from 1,096 to 1,202 mm year-1 are recommended in the forage cactus sorghum system.

Relationships of intercropped maize, stem borer damage to maize yield and land-use efficiency in the humid forest of Cameroon

2005 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 417-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Chabi-Olaye ◽  
C. Nolte ◽  
F. Schulthess ◽  
C. Borgemeister
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Stem Borer ◽  
Percentage Increase ◽  
Mixed Cropping ◽  
Stem Borers ◽  
Humid Forest ◽  
Land Use Efficiency ◽  
Use Efficiency

AbstractStem borers are the most important maize pests in the humid forest zone of Cameroon. Field trials were conducted in the long and short rainy seasons of 2002 and 2003 to assess the level of damage and yield reductions caused by stem borers in monocropped maize and in maize intercropped with non-host plants such as cassava, cowpea and soybean. The intercrops were planted in two spatial arrangements, i.e. alternating hills or alternating rows. All intercrops and the maize monocrop were grown with and without insecticide treatment for assessment of maize yield loss due to borer attacks. The land-use efficiency of each mixed cropping system was evaluated by comparing it with the monocrop. The temporal fluctuation of larval infestations followed the same pattern in all cropping systems, but at the early stage of plant growth, larval densities were 21.3–48.1% higher in the monocrops than in intercrops, and they tended to be higher in alternating rows than alternating hills arrangements. At harvest, however, pest densities did not significantly vary between treatments. Maize monocrops had 3.0–8.8 times more stems tunnelled and 1.3–3.1 times more cob damage than intercrops. Each percentage increase in stem tunnelling lowered maize grain yield by 1.10 and 1.84 g per plant, respectively, during the long and short rainy season in 2002, and by 5.39 and 1.41 g per plant, respectively, in 2003. Maize yield losses due to stem borer were 1.8–3.0 times higher in monocrops than in intercrops. Intercrops had generally a higher land-use efficiency than monocrops, as indicated by land-equivalent-ratios and area-time-equivalent-ratios of >1.0. Land-use efficiency was similar in both spatial arrangements. At current price levels, the net production of mixed cropping systems was economically superior to controlling stem borers with insecticide in monocropped maize. The maize–cassava intercrop yielded the highest land equivalent ratios and the highest replacement value of the intercrop. At medium intensity cropping this system is thus recommended for land-constrained poor farmers who do not use external inputs such as fertilizer and insecticides.

Effects of Component Densities and Nitrogen Fertilization on Efficiency and Yield of a Maize/Soyabean Intercrop

1989 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 529-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. T. Russell ◽  
R. M. Caldwell
Keyword(s):  
Narrow Range ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Land Equivalent Ratio ◽  
Equivalent Ratio ◽  
Land Use Efficiency ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Measure Of Performance ◽  
Input Level ◽  
Yield Depression

SUMMARYA field study was conducted in 1985 at two locations in Maryland, USA, to test the influence of environment (location), input level (N fertilization), management (component density combinations), and measure of performance on recommendations for a maize/soyabean intercrop. Location affected the degree of intercrop yield depression of each crop; the effect of N on relative competitive abilities; the maximum Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) and maximum modified Staple Land Equivalent Ratio (SLER); the difference between LER and SLER; the optimum density combinations and change in optima in response to N; and the N level at which the greatest land use efficiency was achieved. Given the complexity of the environmental effects, recommendations based on the trials have a very narrow range of applicability.

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