Effect of various corn (Zea mays L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercropping densities on crop yield and weed biomass

In order to study the intercropping effects of maize (Zea mays L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and evaluating effect of intercropping on weed biomass, a field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Payamenoor University of Nagadeh,West- Azarbayjan, Iran during growing season of 2009-2010. The experiment was laid out as randomized complete block design with three replications and 15 treatments. Treatments were including mono-cropping of maize densities (5, 7 and 9 plant.m-2) and bean densities (45, 55 and 65 plant.m-2) and nine treatments of intercropping included combination of densities. Two plant species intercropped as additive series. Results showed that the biological and grain yield of maize and bean were significantly affected by maize and bean densities. The effect of cropping system on weed biomass was significant. The lowest weed biomass was obtained in intercropping and the highest in sole crop. Maximum land equivalent ratio (1.41) and standard land equivalent ratio (1.41) were obtained by five maize plant.m-2 with 55 plants.m-2 of bean intercropping combinations. Maximum relative total value (1.31) was obtained in maize and bean intercropping with 7 plants maize and 55 plants bean plant.m-2 showed the highest profitability. Intercropping monetary advantage in comparison with mono cropping was 58 percent.