Improving Fodder Beet and Faba Bean Productivity by Intercropping under Phosphorus and Plant Density Levels in Arid Conditions

Abstract

Open Access Abstract A two-year study was conducted to test the effect of intercropping faba bean with fodder beet on the productivity of both crops, and land use efficiency of the system, when variable faba bean plant densities (D) were practiced, i.e. 42000 (D1), 84000 (D2), and 125000 (D3) plant ha-1, while three phosphorous fertilization (P) rates were tested, i.e. P1; 36, P2; 54, and P3; 72 kg P ha -1. Field studies were carried out during the growing season of 2017/2018, and 2018/2019. Some influential agronomic, and physiological traits for fodder beet and faba bean were investigated, besides, land equivalent ratio (LER), and dry matter equivalent ratio (DMER), as comparative harvesting indices. Results indicated that 72 kg ha -1 P fertilization could significantly boost production of fodder beet and faba bean. Adjusting suitable planting densities, also emphasized the merit of intercropping optimization for better crop improvement. Plant density of faba bean (84000 plant ha-1) was able to impact the growth of fodder beet, while faba bean was impacted by practicing 125000 plant ha-1 intensification. All LER values recorded > 1, while DMER figured between 0.92 and 1.06. The study evidenced that DMER was more reliable than LER for appraising intercropping, in cops where dry matter dominates an economic component like fodder beet.