Evaluation of common bean varieties for simultaneous and relay intercropping with maize in cereal based production system in Siltie zone, Ethiopia

Bezabih Kolaso Woldekiros

doi:10.37591/rrjocst.v12i1.3649

Abstract

In places with significant climate variability and resource-poor agricultural conditions, intercropping can be an effective approach for sustainable and efficient crop production to increase food security.The field experiment was conducted in 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons under rain-fed conditions in Hulbareg district of Siltie zone. It aimed to evaluate common bean varieties for double (simultaneous and relay) intercropping. Three replications of the experiment were set up using a randomised full block design. Hawassa dume, Remeda, Lalo and Wajo common bean varieties were grown in sole and double intercropped with BH-546 maize variety during Belg and Meher cropping seasons. The grain yield of common bean varieties were significantly varied as they were grown in sole and intercrop in both cropping seasons. Relatively higher yield was recorded due to sole cropping. Similarly,higher yield was recorded when common bean varieties were grown during Belg season both in sole and intercropping systems. Due to its relationship with specific common bean types, maize grain yield was not considerably impacted.. All common bean varieties double intercropped with maize showed yield advantage over sole cropping.Hence, double intercropping of maize with common bean can be recommended in areas where there is land shortage with no labor shortage.

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