The Evaluation of Weed Suppression and Crop Production in Barley-Chickpea Intercrops

Intercrops have been associated with grater yields and pest and weed control in comparison with sole crops. In this field experiment, some agronomic characteristics and weed suppression were investigated by two crops-spring chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) - alone and intercropping at the agricultural research station, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bu-Ali Sina during 2010 growing season. Experiment was conducted as split plot bases on randomized complete block design with three replications. Weed control as main factor in two-levels (non-weed (WI) and Weedy (WF)) and five different planting patterns were considered as sub-plots (sole crop of chickpea (C100), sole crop of barley (B100), replacement intercropping of chickpea 25 درصد + 75 درصد barley, (C25B75), 50 درصد chickpea + 50 درصد barley, (C50B50), 75 درصد chickpea + 25 درصد barley, (C75B25)). Weed biomass and density at non control treatments were analyzed based on randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results showed that the effect of treatments on weed biomass and density was significant. The different patterns of intercropping reduced weed biomass and density in comparison with sole treatment crops especially sole crop of chickpea. The highest (60. 67 plant/m2) and lowest (30. 66 plant/m2) number of weeds/m2 and highest (152. 03 g/m2) and lowest (60. 50 g/m2) weed dry weight achieved at WIC100 and WIC50B50 treatments, respectively. The highest biological and grain yields of chickpea, 260. 07 and 119. 47 g/m2, respectively, were belonged to WFC75B25 treatment. Also, maximum biological and grain yield of barley, 1112. 20 and 522. 93 g/m2, respectively, were obtained at WFC75B25 treatment. Land equivalent ratio (LER) in all crops treatments combination were more than unit (LER>1). The highest value of LER (1. 56) was achieved at WIC75B25 treatment.